Special Alert: SLS00271

12/1/2005

SA-163-2005

Guaranty Bond Bank, Mount Pleasant, Texas, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing a name similar to the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 111915327, which is assigned to Guaranty Bond Bank. However, authentic cashier's checks issued by Guaranty Bond Bank display the routing number 051900353, which is assigned to Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), Charleston , West Virginia . The counterfeit items bear the name "Guaranty Bank," and the format, style and layout of the counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks. A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Stan Garrett
Senior Vice President and Cashier
Guaranty Bond Bank
100 West Arkansas Street
Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455
Telephone: (903) 572-9881
Fax: (903) 572-6150
sgarrett@gnty.com  

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov ).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-164-2005

The San Francisco, California, branch of First Republic Bank, Las Vegas, Nevada, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 321081669, which is assigned to First Republic Bank, San Francisco , California . Although the counterfeit items appear similar to authentic checks in style and layout, the counterfeit items use a different print font. The counterfeit items also display a telephone number, which authentic checks do not. A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Fred J. Casissa
Compliance Officer
First Republic Bank
111 Pine Street
San Francisco, California 94111
Telephone: (415) 296-3756
Fax: (415) 296-3756
fcasissa@firstrepublic.com
or
Janine Le
Director Operational Risk
First Republic Bank
111 Pine Street
San Francisco, California 94111
Telephone: (415) 288-1450
Fax: (415) 391-8060
jvanle@firstrepublic.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-165-2005

Chino Commercial Bank, N.A., Chino, California, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 122037711, which is not assigned to Chino Commercial Bank, N.A. The routing number assigned to Chino Commercial Bank, N.A., is 122243062. The counterfeit items are referred to as "Official Checks"; however, the bank issues cashier's checks. In addition, the counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in their style, font and layout. A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have about this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Robin Mora
Assistant Vice President ?Compliance Officer
or
JoAnne Painter
Chief Financial Officer ?Security Officer
Chino Commercial Bank, N.A.
14345 Pipeline Avenue.
Chino, California 91710
Telephone: (909) 393-8880
Fax: (909) 465-1279
mora@chinocommercialbank.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-166-2005

Chinatrust Bank (U.S.A.), Torrance, California, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 122210406, which is assigned to Chinatrust Bank (U.S.A.). The counterfeit items are very similar to authentic checks. However, the logo on the counterfeit items is rectangular, while the logo on authentic checks is circular and contains the wording "We are Family." The counterfeit items display "( U.S.A. )" on the second line of the bank's name and location, while authentic checks display the letters after Chinatrust Bank. The counterfeit items and authentic checks both display the bank location as " City of Industry, CA 91748 ." A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Ivy Hu Tran
First Vice President
Chinatrust Bank (U.S.A.)
22939 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, California 90505
Telephone: (310) 791-2828, extension 247
Fax: (310) 791-2880
itran@chinatrustusa.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks - commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

12/1/2005

SA-167-2005

Bay Cities National Bank, Redondo Beach, California, contacted the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 122239270, which is assigned to Bay Cities National Bank. The counterfeit items also display the wording "The Community Bank of the South Bay" directly below the bank's name, along with the telephone number 1-800-664-0155. The telephone number is not associated with the bank. Authentic checks display the wording "Your Premier Community Bank" and contain the following statement: "AN INDEMNITY BOND SHALL BE REQUIRED BEFORE ANY OFFICIAL CHECK OF THIS BANK WILL BE REPLACED OR REFUNDED IF LOST, MISPLACED OR STOLEN."

To verify the authenticity of a Bay Cities National Bank cashier's check, or to provide any information you have concerning this matter, please contact:

Rowena Libra
Operations Administrator
Bay Cities National Bank
1333 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, California 90277
Telephone: (310) 540-2265 extension 212
Fax: (310) 316-1005
rlibra@bcnb.net

Additional information about this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center , 801 17th Street, NW , Room 100, Washington , DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940).

SA-168-2005

The Heritage Bank, Hinesville, Georgia, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are missing, lost or stolen. The instruments have serial numbers ranging from 2653 through 2662, for a total of 10 checks. A copy of a cashier's check (VOID) is attached for your information.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Barbara Smith
Senior Vice President
The Heritage Bank
P.O. Box 1009
Hinesville, Georgia 31310
Telephone: (912) 408-6102
Fax: (912) 369-9397
bsmith@the-heritage-bank.com

or

Jason Floyd
Vice President
The Heritage Bank
P.O. Box 1009
Hinesville, Georgia 31310
Telephone: (912) 408-6108
Fax: (912) 369-9397
jfloyd@the-heritage-bank.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov.

Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks - commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

12/1/2005

SA-169-2005

Prosperity Bank, El Campo, Texas, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 113122655, which is assigned to Prosperity Bank, El Campo, Texas. Prosperity Bank issues expense checks, but not official checks. The counterfeit expense checks are similar in font, layout and style to authentic expense checks. Copies of a counterfeit official check, a counterfeit expense check and an authentic expense check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Michael Harris
Executive Vice President and Cashier
Prosperity Bank
P.O. Box Drawer G
El Campo, Texas 77437
Telephone: (979) 543-2200
Fax: (979) 543-1906
Mike.harris@prosperitybanktx.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-170-2005

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) of Canada has published the attached "Warning Notices" (Issues No. 62 and No. 63), which contain the names of entities recently brought to OSFI's attention.

Warning Notice No. 62 names two entities - Transbanc Capital Corporation, Calgary, Alberta (www.transbanc.net); and Depository Financial Services, Toronto, Ontario (www.dfinservices.com) - that are not authorized federally regulated financial institutions (Canadian) and may connected with advance fee or "Nigerian letter" scams (see OSFI's Warning Notice No. 23, dated February 2002). These entities, or persons purported to represent them, are reportedly operating in Canada . They may be violating provisions of the Bank Act ( Canada ) or other Canadian financial institution regulations. They may also be conducting unauthorized banking transactions in the United States . Any proposed transactions involving these entities should be viewed with extreme caution.

Warning Notice No. 63 states that Guaranty Bank & Trust Company Limited has been removed from the Warning List. This entity was included on Cumulative Warning Circular No. 16 in January 1995.

Each "Warning Notice," beginning with Issue No. 1, through OSFI's latest "Warning Notice" may be found at: http://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/osfi/index_e.aspx?ArticleID=166.

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachments - Can be found at:

http://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/app/DocRepository/1/eng/consumer/notices/Warning_Notice_62_e.pdf

http://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/app/DocRepository/1/eng/consumer/notices/Warning_Notice_63_e.pdf

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW , Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940).

SA-171-2005

Sheridan State Bank, Sheridan, Wyoming, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 102305412, which is assigned to Sheridan State Bank. The counterfeit items are very similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, authentic checks have a plain background, while counterfeit checks have a swirl pattern in the background. A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Kelli Campbell
Senior Vice President and Cashier
Sheridan State Bank
29 North Gould Street
Sheridan, Wyoming 25048
Telephone: (307) 672-0706
Fax: (307)-674-7746
kcampbell@sheridanstatebank.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-172-2005

First National Bank USA, Boutte, Louisiana, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 065402517, which is assigned to First National Bank USA . The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in font and style. Authentic checks have a scroll border and display the wording "Original Financial Instrument" in the top center of the border. In the top border of the counterfeit items, the following wording is displayed: "This document has a colored background and microprinting. The reverse side includes an artificial watermark." A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Kurt J. Dempster
Vice President and Security Officer
First National Bank USA
13386 Highway 90
P.O. Box 508
Boutte, Louisiana
Telephone: (985) 785-8411
Fax: (985) 785-3913
kurtd@fnbusa.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks - commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-173-2005

Applied Card Bank (formerly known as Cross Country Bank), Wilmington, Delaware, contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 031100966, which is assigned to Applied Card Bank, formerly known as Cross Country Bank. However, the counterfeit items are markedly dissimilar to authentic checks. Authentic checks have a logo with the bank's name written across it in the top-left portion of the check. The counterfeit items contain the bank's name, city, state and telephone number in the top-center portion of the check. Authentic checks do not display a telephone number. A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Larry J. Regan
Assistant Vice President
Applied Card Bank
800 Delaware Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19801
Telephone: (302) 326-4200
Fax: (302) 467-4985
Larry_Regan@Appliedcardbank.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

12/1/2005

SA-174-2005

Mills County State Bank, Goldthwaite, Texas, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 111906747, which is assigned to Mills County State Bank. The counterfeit items are very dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks in style, font and format. Authentic checks are printed on multi-color background paper, while the counterfeit items are printed on blue check on white paper. Authentic checks display the wording "Cashier's Check" in the bottom-left portion of the check, while the counterfeit items display the wording across the left-side of the check. A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Priscilla Muse
Vice President
or
Sue Buck
Cashier
Mills County State Bank
1017 Parker Street
P.O. Box 309
Goldthwaite, Texas 76844
Telephone: (325) 648-2216
Fax: (325) 648-2773
pmuse@mcsbtexas.com
sbuck@mcsbtexas.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents, and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's website at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks ? commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 202-416-6940; fax: 202-416-2076; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)