Special Alert: SLS00290

Special Alerts

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has informed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that Trinity Savings Bank, Ltd., Nassau , Bahamas , has represented itself as a bank and offered banking products and services to the general public. The Central Bank of the Bahamas reports that there is no record of such a company being authorized or licensed to conduct the business of banking from the Bahamas . The OCC has not authorized the referenced entity to operate as a bank or conduct banking business anywhere in the United States . Furthermore, deposits of Trinity Savings Bank are not insured by the FDIC.

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

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.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).

Special Alerts

Citrus and Chemical Bank, Bartow, Florida, 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 cashier's checks are issued with the routing number 063105971.

The serial numbers on the reported cashier's checks are 361201 through 361950 and 362201 through 363200, for a total of 1,750 cashier's checks. Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Jeffrey D. Hoch
Executive Vice President
Cell Phone: (863) 661-2753
E-mail: jhoch@cancbank.com

or

Susan Jennis
Security Officer
Cell Phone: (863) 670-4963
E-mail: sjennis@candcbank.com

Citrus and Chemical Bank
600 North Broadway Avenue
Bartow, Florida 33830-3899
Telephone: (863) 533-3171
Fax: (863) 519-2196

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.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).

Special Alerts

First Fidelity Bank, Burke , South Dakota , has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report fraudulent cashier's checks bearing the institution 's name are in circulation.

The fraudulent items display the routing number 091403865, which is assigned to First Fidelity Bank; however, First Fidelity Bank does not issue cashier's checks. The fraudulent items bear a logo and the bank's name in the top-left corner above the slogan "The Family Business Bank." Also, the fraudulent items include the bank's name, address and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, in the lower-left corner and the words "CASHIERS CHECK" in the top center. A copy of the fraudulent item is attached for your review.

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

Randy Sachtjen
First Fidelity Bank
P. O. Box 376
Burke, SD 57523
Telephone: (605) 775-2641
Fax: (605) 775-2250
E-mail: randysachtjen@ffb-sd.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)

Special Alerts

The Huntington National Bank, Columbus, Ohio, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the name "Unizan Bank, Canton , Ohio " are in circulation. Unizan Financial Services Group, National Association, recently merged with The Huntington National Bank.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 022000868, which is assigned to an account that Integrated Payments Systems, Inc., Englewood, Colorado, has at Citibank, National Association, Buffalo, NY . Unizan Bank issues official checks through Integrated Payment Systems, Inc.

The counterfeit items are similar to authentic official checks. Embedded in the top border of the counterfeit items is the wording: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING THE REVERSE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The counterfeit items are tan with a dark brown border.

Authentic official checks display the wording" "HOLD DOCUMENT TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK" along the top border on both sides of "OFFICIAL CHECK." Authentic checks are light blue with ornate dark blue borders on the top and sides, and the checks display a padlock symbol on the right side above the dollars line.

Copies 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:

Steve Bullett
Vice President & Corporate Security Officer
Unizan Bank, National Association
66 South Third Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 463-6811
Fax: (614) 462-2860
E-mail: sbullett@unizan.com

or

Karen Mathes,
Security Officer
Unizan Bank, National Association
624 Market Avenue North
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-4871
Fax: (330) 438-4850
E-mail: Karen.Mathes@huntington.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)

Special Alerts

Charlevoix State Bank, Charlevoix, Michigan, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that fraudulent treasury checks bearing the institution 's name are in circulation.

The fraudulent items display the routing number 072413683, which is assigned to Charlevoix State Bank; however, Charlevoix State Bank does not issue treasury checks. The fraudulent items bear the bank's logo and name in the upper-left corner, and "TREASURY CHECK" is printed in the top center. The bank's name, address and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, are printed in the lower-left corner. A copy of a fraudulent item is attached for your review.

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

Lisa Spang
Charlevoix State Bank
111 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-4411
Fax: (231) 547-7744
e-mail: rmh@csbchx.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)

Special Alerts

On March 28, 2006, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued the attached Alert 06-16, which provides an alphabetical listing of entities engaged in unauthorized banking activities, both offshore and domestic, named in OCC alerts from 1996 through the date the listing was issued. The listing is intended to aid in the search for names of such entities and to indicate the nature of the problem that prompted the alert. Both the listing and the individual alerts are available on the OCC's website at http://www.occ.treas.gov (click "Issuances," then "Alerts").

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

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: Available at http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/alert/2006-16a.pdf - 187k (PDF Help)

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).

Special Alerts

Pacific Western National Bank (also known as Pacific Western Bank), Santa Monica, 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 display the routing number 122239775, which is assigned to Pacific Western Bank. However, Pacific Western National Bank issues cashier's checks with the routing number 122238200. 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 in a globe. "First Bank" appears to the right of the globe logo, in the top-center portion of the item. " Austin , Texas " is displayed beneath "First Bank."

Authentic cashier's checks display "PACIFIC WESTERN BANK" to the right of a setting-sun logo, in the top-center portion of the check. Beneath the bank name, " Santa Monica , CA 90407-2209 " is displayed.

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:

Sue Thomas
Operations Administration
Pacific Western Bank
250 N. Westlake Blvd.
Westlake, California 91362
Telephone: (805) 494-9368
E-mail: sthomas@pacificwesternbank.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/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)

Special Alerts

The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, Harwich Port, Massachusetts, 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 211371078, which is assigned to The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. The counterfeit items are currently associated with a "Secret Shopping Scam," wherein the consumer is asked to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a payment system by sending the payment to a person in Canada . The bottom of the letter, explaining the secret shopping scam, has the advertising logos of several major companies. The counterfeit items display the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" on the upper-left side of the item, and the bank name and location are displayed in the top-center portion of the item. Authentic checks are referred to as "treasurer's checks." The counterfeit items do not display a logo, but display a 1-888 telephone number, which is not associated with the bank.

Authentic checks display the wording "TREASURER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion of the check, with the wording "Negotiate Within Six Months of Date of Issue" appearing on the line directly beneath. Authentic checks display the bank name and logo in the top-left portion of the check. The bank name, followed by the city and state, is displayed in the lower-left portion of the treasurer's check.

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:

Diane K. Rowlings
Security Officer
The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
19 West Road
P.O. Box 10
Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Telephone: (508) 247-2128
Fax: (508) 247-5595
E-mail: drowlings@capecodfive.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 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)

Special Alerts

Great Western Bank, Omaha, Nebraska, 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 relatively similar to authentic checks in style. The counterfeit items do not display a routing number, which will cause the item to be rejected. The counterfeit items contain security wording embedded in the top border, which has a dark background and light- colored lettering.

Authentic cashier's checks display the routing number 096016765 and are issued through Firstar Bank of Minnesota , N.A., St. Paul , Minnesota , which is now named US Bank, St. Paul , Minnesota . Authentic checks have security wording across the top of the check, but it is printed in a darker shade, with a light background.

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:

Kimberly Boatwright
Security Officer and BSA Administrator
Great Western Bank
6015 Northwest Radial Highway.
Omaha, Nebraska 68104
Telephone: (402) 952-6027
Fax: (402) 552-1209
E-mail: Kimberly.boatwright@greatwesternbank.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/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)

Special Alerts

Cape Ann Savings Bank, Gloucester, 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 display the routing number 011000028, which is assigned to State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, Massachusetts . Cape Ann Savings Bank issues "Money Order Checks" through State Street Bank and Trust Company. The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in the style and fonts used, and are apparently related to a Canadian lottery scam. Authentic checks display the wording "NOT TO EXCEED $300" above the wording "MONEY ORDER CHECK" in the lower-left portion of the check. A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Ken Davis
Assistant Vice President-Security Officer
or
Amy Randazza
Assistant Vice President-Security Officer
Cape Ann Savings Bank
109 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Telephone: (978) 282-5770
E-mail: amyr@casbank.com

Phonebusters-a joint partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police-is interested in receiving copies of scam letters involving Canadian mailing addresses or telephone numbers. Records relating to the payment of advance fees can 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 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)