Special Alert: SLS00299

Northrim Bank, Anchorage, Alaska, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 125200934, which is assigned to Northrim Bank. Counterfeit items are not similar to authentic checks. Counterfeit items display the bank's logo, name and " Anchorage, AK 99524 " in the top-left corner. A short line appears directly above the logo. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are printed in the upper-right corner and "REMITER" is printed in the lower-left corner. The following phrase is embedded in the top border of counterfeit items: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND HIGH RESOLUTION BORDER. THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." Counterfeit items display one authorized signature line in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo, name and the address " 3111 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99503 " in the top-left corner. The words "CASHIERS CHECK" are printed in the center of the check inside a box with rounded corners. A "Memo" line appears in the lower-left corner and two signature lines are printed in the lower-right corner. Authentic cashier's checks have the following statement printed below the top border: "THE BACK OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED IN A SPECIAL WHITE INK. HOLD THE DOCUMENT AT A SMALL ANGLE TO SEE THIS SECURITY FEATURE." An additional description of a security feature is embedded in the bottom border. Copies 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:

James M. Kurth
Assistant Vice President and Security Manager
Northrim Bank
3111 C Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone: (907) 261-3513
Fax: (907) 261-8773
or
Andrea Jacobson
Security Officer
Northrim Bank
Telephone: (907) 261-4634

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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

The Honesdale National Bank, Honesdale, Pennsylvania, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items include the routing number 031308535, which is assigned to The Honesdale National Bank. Counterfeit items have rounded corners on the top and the following security statement is embedded in the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK."

Authentic checks have slightly rounded corners, with a thin dark border. A security statement is not embedded in the top border. Across the right edge of the check and adjacent to a lock symbol, the following statement is displayed: "Security features are included. Details on back." A copy of a counterfeit item and an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

To date, the subject counterfeit items have been associated with an international lottery scam. The counterfeit items typically accompany a letter purported to be associated with the "Omega Direct & Payment Inc., West Island, Canada," or the "Sweepstakes and Internet Games Payment Verification Center."

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

Kathy Enslin
Vice President of Deposit Operations
The Honesdale National Bank
724 Main Street
Honesdale, Pennsylvania 18431
Telephone: (570) 253-3362, Extension 1411
Fax: (570) 251-9519
Website: www.hnbbank.com

To report this scam or any other scam based in or mailed from Canada , please contact Phonebusters, which is a joint partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Phonebusters is interested in receiving copies of scam letters, particularly those involving Canadian mailing addresses or telephone numbers. Records relating to the payment of advance fees should also be forwarded to Phonebusters. This information is used to assist in the strategic targeting of would-be fraudsters. Scam letters should be forwarded to the Phonebusters National Call Center (PNCC) as follows:

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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

1st Constitution Bank, Cranbury, New Jersey, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The counterfeit items are associated with an apparent lottery scam in which a letter is sent claiming to be from Goodrich Disbursements, Bolton, Ontario, Canada . Recipients are instructed to contact a sweepstakes agent via telephone for processing of the final payment.

The counterfeit items include the routing number 211170295, which is not assigned to 1st Constitution Bank. Counterfeit items display the bank's logo consisting of a large "1st" directly to the left of the words "Constitution Bank" in the top-left corner of the item. Below the logo are the words "CASHIER'S CHECK." The bank's name (with the 1st spelled out as "First"), city and state and a toll-free telephone number not associated with the bank are printed in the top-center portion of the counterfeit items.

Authentic checks display the words "TREASURER'S CHECK" in the bottom-left portion of the check. Authentic checks include the bank's name, address, city, state and zip code in the top-center portion. Authentic checks display the following security statement below the top border: "WHEN HELD TO LIGHT, IF CIRCULAR WATERMARKS ARE NOT PRESENT, DO NOT CASH. SEE BACK FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY FEATURES." In addition, a notice regarding the purchase of a surety bond is in the top-left corner. 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:

Charles Caruso
Vice President and Compliance Officer
1st Constitution Bank
2650 Route 130
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512
Telephone: (609) 655-4500
Fax: (609) 655-5653
Email: charlesc@1stconstitution.com

To report this scam or any other scam based in or mailed from Canada , please contact Phonebusters, which is a joint partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Phonebusters is interested in receiving copies of scam letters, particularly those involving Canadian mailing addresses or telephone numbers. Records relating to the payment of advance fees should also be forwarded to Phonebusters. This information is used to assist in the strategic targeting of would-be fraudsters. Scam letters should be forwarded to the Phonebusters National Call Center (PNCC) as follows:

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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Franklin Savings Bank, Franklin, New Hampshire, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 096016765, which is assigned to U.S. Bank, St. Paul, Minnesota . Franklin Savings Bank issues official checks through U.S. Bank. The counterfeit items are very similar in appearance to authentic checks and include the number "02" above the bank's name and address on the upper-left side.

Authentic official checks have a watermark consisting of the bank's logo, which includes two leaves directly above the letters "fsb." The watermark is located in the center of the check. Authentic official checks also display small serial numbers printed vertically along the left margin.

A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of 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:

Kenneth S. Duguay
Vice President
Risk Management Officer
387 Central Street
Franklin, New Hampshire, 03235
Phone: (603) 934-8345
Fax: (603) 934-6538
E-mail: duguay@fsbnh.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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

The Somerville National Bank, Somerville, Ohio, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items include the routing number 042211572, which is assigned to The Somerville National Bank, and are virtually identical to authentic checks. Some, but not all, authentic checks display a hologram of an eagle encircled with eight stars (four stars on the top and four stars on the bottom of the circle) in the top-center portion of the check. A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

The Somerville National Bank requests that all cashier's checks be verified through:

Jodie Hunsucker
Executive Vice President
The Somerville National Bank
197 South Main Street
Somerville, Ohio 45064
Telephone: (937) 456-5588
Fax: (937) 456-5145
E-mail: jhunsucker.snb@bankersmail.net

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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

California Bank & Trust, San Diego, California, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 122043149, which is assigned to Integrated Payment Systems, Englewood, Colorado , but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items state in the lower-left corner that they are "Issued by Integrated Payment Systems, Inc, Englewood, Colorado," through "America Bank, Los Angeles, CA ." The bank's Palmdale Branch address is printed in the top-center portion of the item. A large "CB" logo appears as a watermark on the right side of the counterfeit item, and "SIGNATURE HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND" is printed in the lower-right corner. The following statement is embedded in the top border: "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BACKGROUND AND AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK CERTIFICATION SEAL ON THE BACK – HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW SEAL." The counterfeit items have printed borders along all sides.

Authentic checks state in the lower-left corner that they are issued by "Integrated Payment Systems, Inc., Englewood, California," through "Comerica Bank, Los Angeles, CA ." "HOLD DOCUMENT UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK" is printed along the top center. Authentic checks do not include printed borders or an address.

Copies 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:

Charles R. Ott
Vice President & Corporate Security Manager
California Bank & Trust
300 Lakeside Drive 3rd Floor
Oakland, California 94612
Telephone: (510) 808-1643
Fax: (510) 808-1649
Email: cott@calbt.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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Primebank, Le Mars, Iowa, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items bear the routing number 073902313, which is assigned to Primebank, Le Mars, Iowa , but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items display the bank's logo, name, and an Annapolis, Maryland , address in the upper-left portion of the item. "FDIC INSURED" is printed in the top-center portion of the item and "CHEQUE NO." appears in the upper-right corner above an "IMPORTANT NOTICE." "Payable thru WF National Bank, South Central Faribault, MN," is printed in the lower-left side on four lines. The counterfeit items are green with descriptions of security features embedded in the top and bottom borders.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo, name, two cities, state, two zip codes and Web address in the top center below the words "ORIGINAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT." "CASHIER'S CHECK" is printed in the lower-left corner. Authentic checks have ornate borders with a padlock symbol and a security feature description embedded along the right border.

Copies 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:

Douglas L. Van Meeteren
Executive Vice President
Primebank
37 1st Avenue, NW
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Telephone: (712) 546-4175
FAX: (712) 546-8785
Email: doug.vanmeeteren@primebank.com or doug@primebankinc.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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Western Commerce Bank, Carlsbad, New Mexico, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display one of two routing numbers. The first routing number displayed on some of the counterfeit items is 112201085, which is assigned to Western Commerce Bank. The second routing number displayed on some of the counterfeit items is 103101822, which is assigned to First Bank and Trust, Clinton, Oklahoma.

Both versions of the counterfeit items display the following statement directly above the top signature line: "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IN EXCESS OF $5000.00." In addition, both versions of the counterfeit items display a padlock symbol and the words "Security Features Details on Back" across the right edge. Beneath the "PAY TO THE ORDER OF" line, the words "THE SUM" precede the dollar amount. The counterfeit items with the 103101822 routing number are negative images of authentic checks as the logo and box above the "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED" line have dark rather than white backgrounds.

Authentic cashier's checks display the wording "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK" across the top edge. Also, authentic checks display a number below the list of branches in the top-center portion and the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IN EXCESS OF $500.00" directly above the top signature line. Authentic checks do not display a padlock symbol.

A copy of both counterfeit items and a copy of 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:

Maribel Lopez
Vice President
Western Commerce Bank
513 North Canal Street
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220
Telephone: (505) 887-6686, Extension 575
Fax: (505) 887-5948
E-mail: mlopez@wcb.net

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/2006/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, telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Adams Co-operative Bank, Adams, Massachusetts, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The counterfeit items are associated with a lottery scam and are accompanied by a letter purportedly sent by "Coopers & Barnes Payment Systems for Sweepstakes and Internet Games Payment Verification Center " or "The North American Gaming Association Prize Pool."

The counterfeit items include the routing number 211873686, which is assigned to Adams Co-operative Bank, but are dissimilar to the bank's authentic treasurer's checks. The counterfeit items are basic in design and layout, displaying the bank's name and a location in the top-center portion of the item.

Authentic checks display a logo in the top-left corner with "ADAMS CO-OPERATIVE BANK" printed to the right of the logo. The words "Treasurer's Check" are centered in the top portion below the bank's name. Authentic checks display two signature lines in the lower-right corner and the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED FOR AMOUNTS GREATER THAN $10,000.00" in the middle portion of the check.

A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic treasurer's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Allyn F. Basel
Vice President of Operations
Adams Co-operative Bank
93 Park Street
Adams, Massachusetts 01220
Telephone: (413) 743-0001
Fax: (413) 743-7645
E-mail: allyn.basel@adamscooperative.com

To report this scam or any other scam based in or mailed from Canada , please contact Phonebusters, which is a joint partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Phonebusters is interested in receiving copies of scam letters, particularly those involving Canadian mailing addresses or telephone numbers. Records relating to the payment of advance fees should also be forwarded to Phonebusters. This intelligence information is used to assist in the strategic targeting of would-be fraudsters. Scam letters should be forwarded to the Phonebusters National Call Center (PNCC) as follows:

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/2006/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 electronic images of fraudulent items or authentic checks that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Financial institutions can view images of the fraudulent items and authentic checks (marked as VOID) using the FDIC's free, secure Web site, FDICconnect. (See more information about FDICconnect at http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2006/fil06032.html.) Printed copies of each Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

First Northern Bank of Dixon, Dixon, California, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the name First Bank, Austin, Texas , are in circulation.

The counterfeit items include the routing number 121105156, which is assigned to First Northern Bank of Dixon. The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in style. The counterfeit items display a "1" superimposed on top of a map of the United States, encircled by a globe. "First Bank" appears to the right of the globe logo, in the top-center portion of the item. Printed directly below the bank name is the location "Austin, Texas."

Authentic cashier's checks display "FIRST NORTHERN BANK" in the top-center portion of the check. Beneath the bank name, "OF DIXON" appears in a small font, and the bank's address is printed on the next two lines.

A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of 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:

Sally Galindo
Vice President Compliance and Risk Management Officer
First Northern Bank of Dixon
195 North First Street
Dixon, California 95620
Telephone: (707) 678-3041
Fax: (707) 678-9734
E-mail: sagalindo@thatsmybank.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/2006/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 electronic images of fraudulent items or authentic checks that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Financial institutions can view images of the fraudulent items and authentic checks (marked as VOID) using the FDIC's free, secure Web site, FDICconnect. (See more information about FDICconnect at http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2006/fil06032.html.) Printed copies of each Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).