Special Alert: SA2007005

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Special Alert: SA2007005

Bulletin Document
V 1
Date: July 19, 2007
To: All Issuing Offices
RE: Special Alert -- FDIC Special Alert Notices SA-170-2007 through SA-179-2007

Dear Associates:

This Bulletin is to advise you, in accordance with Stewart Information Services Corporation's (?SISCO?) Anti-Fraud Plan, that the FDIC has issued the above-referenced Special Alert Notices. In order to view these and other Special Alert Notices issued by the FDIC, please refer to the website address listed below:

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2007/index.html

If you suspect an attempt to defraud or a fraud should ever be perpetrated against any SISCO Family Underwriter and/or its agents, please report the activity immediately to:

Mary Payne Thomas
Special Alerts
Stewart Legal Services
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
1980 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 710
Houston, Texas 77056
(800) 729-1902
(713) 629-2248 FAX
mthomas@stewart.com EMAIL

For on-line viewing of this bulletin, log onto http://specialalerts.stewart.com/

 


FDIC Special Alert Notices SA-170-2007 through SA-179-2007

 

SA-170-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

1st Bank Yuma

Arizona

SA-171-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Meridian Bank

Texas

SA-172-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Parkvale Savings Bank

Pennsylvania

SA-173-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

First Century Bank

West Virginia

SA-174-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Lone Star Bank

Texas

SA-175-2007

Counterfeit Treasurer's Checks

Apollo Trust Company

Pennsylvania

SA-176-2007

Counterfeit Official Checks

First Tuskegee Bank

Alabama

SA-177-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Chevy Chase Bank

Maryland

SA-178-2007

Fraudulent Cashier's Checks

First State Bank

Texas

SA-179-2007

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Cornhusker Bank

Nebraska

THIS BULLETIN IS FURNISHED TO INFORM YOU OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS. AS A REMINDER, YOU ARE CHARGED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONTENT ON VIRTUAL UNDERWRITER  AS IT EXISTS FROM TIME TO TIME AS IT APPLIES TO YOU, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS. OUR UNDERWRITING AGREEMENTS DO NOT AUTHORIZE OUR ISSUING AGENTS TO ENGAGE IN SETTLEMENTS OR CLOSINGS ON BEHALF OF STEWART TITLE GUARANTY COMPANY. THIS BULLETIN IS NOT INTENDED TO DIRECT YOUR ESCROW OR SETTLEMENT PRACTICES OR TO CHANGE PROVISIONS OF APPLICABLE UNDERWRITING AGREEMENTS. CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY, OR NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD NEVER BE SHARED OR DISSEMINATED EXCEPT AS ALLOWED BY LAW. IF APPLICABLE STATE LAW OR REGULATION IMPOSES ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO COMPLY WITH THOSE REQUIREMENTS.

 Special Alerts



SA-170-2007
July 2, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name 1st BankYuma, Yuma, Arizona, are reportedly in circulation.

 

1st Bank Yuma, Yuma, Arizona, 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 a lottery scam and included with correspondence from "Heritage Lottery Fund, 28 Vincent Close, Westminster , London , SW1 0BT , United Kingdom ."

The counterfeit items display the routing number 122105906, which is assigned to 1st Bank Yuma, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" inside a rectangle in the top center. The bank's name is printed twice in the upper-left corner. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A GRADUATED BACKGROUND, DARK TO LIGHT. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The date and dollar amount are displayed inside of rectangles on the right side. "DRAWER:" appears in the lower-left corner.

Authentic checks display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner. The word "REMITTER" is printed below the bank's logo, name and address in the upper-left corner. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICRO-PRINT SIGNATURE LINE. THE BACK CONTAINS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK- HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW."

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

John J. Marino
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
1st Bank Yuma
2799 South 4th Avenue
Yuma, Arizona 85364
Telephone: (928) 783-3334
Fax: (928) 344-2132
E-mail: jmarino@1stbankyuma.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-171-2007
July 2, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Meridian Bank, Fort Worth , Texas , are reportedly in circulation.

 

Meridian Bank Texas, Fort Worth, Texas, 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 111000615, which is not a valid routing number, and are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the following security statement embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." "Meridian Bank, Ft. Worth , Texas " is printed in the upper-left corner and "MEMO" is printed in the lower-left corner. The dollar amount appears inside a rectangle on the right side.

Authentic checks display the routing number 111925508, which is assigned to Meridian Bank Texas . The top border contains the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" printed six times. The bottom border contains the following security feature description: "THE BACK OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICAL WATERMARK. HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW." The bank's logo, name, P.O. Box, city, state, zip code, and the word "REMITTER" appear in the upper-left corner. A "NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS REGARDING OFFICIAL BANK CHECKS" and a "PURPOSE" line are printed in the lower- left corner. Authentic checks have a "VOID" background when copied.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Gordon Brucks
Senior Vice President and Operations Manager
Meridian Bank Texas
915 Florence Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Telephone: (817) 334-4673
Fax: (817) 810-0272
E-mail: Gordon.Brucks@meridianbanktexas.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-172-2007
July 2, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Parkvale Savings Bank, Monroeville , Pennsylvania , are reportedly in circulation.

 

Parkvale Savings Bank (known as Parkvale Bank), Monroeville, 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 display the routing number 243073852, which is assigned to Parkvale Savings Bank, but are markedly dissimilar to authentic treasurer's checks. The counterfeit items have ornate borders on three sides. They items also display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" inside a rectangle with rounded corners centered within the top border. The following security statement appears on each side of the rectangle: "HOLD THIS DOCUMENT UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK." The bank's name and address appear in the top-left corner. The bank's name is repeated above the signature line. A "MEMO" line is printed in the lower-left corner.

Parkvale Savings Bank issues treasurer's checks, rather than cashier's checks. Authentic checks display "TREASURER'S CHECK" in the top right. "Parkvale Bank" and "ALIQUIPPA OFFICE" appear in the top-left corner. " MONROEVILLE , PA " is printed below the dollar amount line.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Margaret L. Ocepek
Security Officer
Parkvale Bank
4220 William Penn Highway
Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
Telephone: (412) 373-4821
Fax: (412) 856-7104
E-mail: margaret.ocepek@parkvale.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-173-2007
July 2, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Century Bank, Bluefield , West Virginia , are reportedly in circulation.

 

First Century Bank, National Association, Bluefield, West Virginia, 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 051500601, which is assigned to First Century Bank, National Association, but are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the following security feature description within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A GRADUATED BACKGROUND, DARK TO LIGHT. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear inside a rectangle in the top center. An unassociated logo containing a boxed "1" and "st Century Bank" appear on the left side. "First Century Bank, 500 FEDERAL & 525 FEDERAL STS, BLUEFILED, WV 24701"appears in the top-left corner. The date is inside of a box in the top-right corner. "DRAWER:" appears in the lower-left corner.

Authentic checks display "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner. The bank's logo (which consists of "CB" and a clustered center of "1's"), "FIRST CENTURY BANK, NA," city, state and zip code appear in the top center. The following security statement appears below the printed dollar amount: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A MICRO-PRINT SIGNATURE LINE, WATERMARK AND A THERMOCHROMIC ICON, ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY." The words "PURCHASED BY" appear in the upper-left corner. A padlock icon is displayed on the right side of the written dollar amount line.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Cathy Laxton
Assistant Vice President and Security Director
First Century Bank, NA
500 Federal Street
Bluefield, West Virginia 24701
Telephone: (304) 324-3281
Fax: (304) 324-3309
E-mail: Claxton@firstcentury.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-174-2007
July 2, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Lone Star Bank, Houston , Texas , are reportedly in circulation.

 

Lone Star Bank, Houston, Texas, 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 113025299, which is assigned to Lone Star Bank, but are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display security feature statements within the top and bottom borders. The bank's logo, name (repeated twice), city, state and a toll-free telephone number ("1.888.461.6614"), not associated with the bank, appear in the top-left corner. The bank's name is repeated as "DRAWER" below the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-right corner and below the printed dollar amount line. Two signature lines are preceded by "PER" on the lower-right side. The phrases "NAME OF PAYEE" and "REMITTER" appear on the left side.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo and name in the top center. An indemnity bond statement and "REMITTER" and "PAY TO THE ORDER OF" are printed on the left side. A security feature description is printed vertically within the right border. The statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED OVER $5,000.00" is displayed below two signature lines.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Kathy Stuckey
Vice President of Operations
Lone Star Bank
952 Echo Lane, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77024
Telephone: (713) 358-9421
Fax: (713) 358-9478
E-mail: kstuckey@lsbtexas.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-175-2007
July 2, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Treasurer's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit treasurer's checks bearing the name Apollo Trust Company, Apollo, Pennsylvania, are reportedly in circulation.

 

Apollo Trust Company, Apollo, Pennsylvania, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit treasurer's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with a lottery scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 043308426, which is assigned to Apollo Trust Company. The counterfeit items are similar to authentic treasurer's checks; however, they have dark borders and a security feature statement is displayed within the top border. An incorrect zip code ("1683") is used in the bank's address in the top-left corner. The items display a "VOID" background when copied.

Authentic checks have the correct zip code ("15613") in the bank's address in the top-left corner. Also, the word "REMITTER" appears in the lower-left corner below "TREASURER'S CHECK."

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Carolyn Bash
Assistant Treasurer
Apollo Trust Company
201 North Warren Avenue
Apollo, Pennsylvania 15613
Telephone: (724) 478-3151, extension 231
Fax: (724) 478-1118
E-mail: Carolyn@apollotrust.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-176-2007
July 3, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Official Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit official checks bearing the name First Tuskegee Bank, Tuskegee , Alabama , are reportedly in circulation.

 

First Tuskegee Bank, Tuskegee, Alabama, 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 262286109, which is assigned to First Tuskegee Bank, but are markedly dissimilar to authentic official checks. The counterfeit items display ornate borders on three sides. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" appear inside of a rectangle with rounded corners that is centered within the top border. The following security statement is displayed on each side of the rectangle: "HOLD THIS DOCUMENT UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK." The bank's logo, name, "ESTABLISHED IN 1894," address ("301 N. Elm Str Tuskegee, AL 36083") and a telephone number ("1 (888) 226-8286"), which is not associated with the bank, appear in the top-left corner. The bank's name is repeated as "DRAWER" above a computer-generated signature in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the routing number 096016765, which is assigned to U.S. Bank, St. Paul , Minnesota . First Tuskegee Bank issues official checks through an account at U.S. Bank. The following security statements are displayed just below the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK. THE FRONT OF THE DOCUMENT HAS A MICRO- PRINT SIGNATURE LINE. ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY." The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" appear in the top center above the bank's logo, name and address (" 100 Commerce Street , Montgomery , AL 36104 "). A "MEMO" line is included in the lower-left area and two signature lines appear in the lower-right corner.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

David Dalling
Vice President and Controller
First Tuskegee Bank
660 Adams Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Telephone: (334) 262-0800
Fax: (334) 265-4333
E-mail: ddalling@firsttuskegeebank.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-177-2007
July 3, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Chevy Chase Bank, Bethesda , Maryland , are reportedly in circulation.

 

Chevy Chase Bank, F.S.B., McLean, Virginia, 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 reportedly associated with a sweepstakes scam based in Canada .

The counterfeit items display the routing number 255071981, which is assigned to Chevy Chase Bank, FSB, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the following security statement within the top border: "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER." The bottom border contains the following statement: "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK." A padlock icon is printed on each side. The word "Touchstate" appears near the top center.

Authentic checks display the following statement within the top border: "VERIFY COMPLETE LIST OF SECURITY FEATURES LISTED ON BACK OF CHECK." The bottom border contains the following statements: "THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT HAS A REFLECTIVE CHEVY CHASE BANK WATERMARK ON THE BACK. HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO SEE." A white thumb area appears in the top portion with "PATENT#" printed above and "TouchSafe" below. "Non-Negotiable for amounts over $3,000" and "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS" are printed above and below the signature area, respectively. When copied or scanned, the check has a "NON-NEGOTIABLE" background.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Lester Bain
Investigation Services Manager
Chevy Chase Bank, F.S.B.
14601 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, Maryland 20707
Telephone: (301) 939-6604
Fax: (301) 939-6611
E-mail: ljbain@chevychasebank.net

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:

Mail:

Box 686
North Bay, Ontario, Canada
P1B 8J8

Web site:

www.phonebusters.com

Telephone:

+1 (888) 495-8501 (toll-free in Canada and the USA)

Fax:

+1 (888) 654-9426 (toll-free in Canada and the USA)

E-mail:

info@phonebusters.com

Advance fee fraud (including Nigerian and lottery letters): wafl@phonebusters.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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-178-2007
July 3, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Fraudulent Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Fraudulent cashier's checks bearing the name First State Bank are reportedly in circulation.

 

First State Bank, New Braunfels, Texas, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that fraudulent cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The fraudulent items display the routing number 111192354, which is not a valid routing number. The items also display a Texas state logo with 1st printed inside, and the name "FIRST STATE BANK" in the top center. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are printed in the lower-left corner. The top and bottom borders are darkened and have security feature descriptions embedded within. The items are green in color and have a "VOID" background when copied.

A copy of the fraudulent item is attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of fraudulent items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Walter A. Luce, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer
First State Bank
549 Landa Street
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Telephone: (830) 625-5687
Fax: (830) 625-5807
E-mail: walterluce@firststate-texs.com

Information about fraudulent 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. Questions 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/2007/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

Special Alerts




SA-179-2007
July 3, 2007

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Cornhusker Bank, Lincoln , Nebraska , are reportedly in circulation.

 

Cornhusker Bank, Lincoln, Nebraska, 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 reportedly associated with a secret shopper scam and are included with correspondence from the "Shadow Shopper Agency."

The counterfeit items display the routing number 104907025, which is assigned to Cornhusker Bank. The items display "Cashier's Check," the date in a table format, and the printed dollar amount, which has a dark background, on the same horizontal line. A toll-free telephone number, not associated with the bank, is shown adjacent to the bank's name and logo in the top- left corner. Two signature lines are shown on the right and are referred to as the "authorized signature" and the "countersigned."

Authentic checks contain a notice to customers in the top center and display the date on the left side. The words "Cashier's Check" are shown in the lower-left corner.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Ken Ward
Executive Vice President and Security Officer
Cornhusker Bank
11th and Cornhusker Highway
Lincoln, Nebraska 68501
Telephone: (402) 434-2232
Fax: (402) 434-8072
E-mail: kward@cornhuskerbank.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. Questions 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 http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2007/index.html . To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

 

 

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)

 


References

Bulletins Replaced:
  • None
Related Bulletins:
  • None
Underwriting Manual:
  • None
Exceptions Manual:
  • None
Forms:
  • None