Special Alert: SLS00291

Special Alerts

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

The counterfeit items display the routing number 113122655, which is assigned to Prosperity Bank, El Campo, Texas . The counterfeit items also display an address and telephone number in the top-left portion of the item, as follows: " 790 Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 , 1-866-357-9615." The telephone number is not associated with Prosperity Bank, El Campo, Texas . In addition, the counterfeit items display "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center of the item, and display security wording embedded in the top border.

Authentic cashier's checks do not display an address and do not contain security wording embedded in the top border. Authentic cashier's checks display two authorized signature lines, and two signatures are required for amounts that exceed $5,000.

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:

Michael Harris
Executive Vice President-Cashier
Prosperity Bank
P. O. Drawer G
El Campo, TX 77437
Telephone: (979) 543-2200
Fax: (979) 543-1906
E-mail: mike.harris@prosperitybanktx.com

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

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's 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

Pinnacle National Bank, Nashville, Tennessee, 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 064008637, which is assigned to Pinnacle National Bank, and are similar to authentic checks in style and layout. However, the counterfeit items are not printed on safeguard paper. 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:

Linda Seiber
Deposit Operations Manager
Pinnacle National Bank
211 Commerce Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Telephone: (615) 744-3288
Fax: (615) 744-3292
E-mail: linda.seiber@pnfp.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

First Security Bank, Batesville, Mississippi, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit personal money orders bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 084205915, which is assigned to First Security Bank, and are similar to authentic personal money orders in appearance. However, the counterfeit items bear a telephone number that is not associated with the bank in the lower-left corner below the bank's logo, name and address. Also, the following descriptions of security features are printed in the top border of the counterfeit items: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK."

Authentic money orders do not include a telephone number in the lower-left corner, nor do they include a description of security features in the top border.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic personal money order (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Tina Allen
Assistant Cashier
First Security Bank
P O Box 690
Batesville, MS 38606
Telephone: (662) 563-9311
Fax: (662) 563-9337
E-mail: tallen@firstsecuritybk.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

First Community Bank, Chatom, Alabama, 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 096016765, which is assigned to US Bank, St. Paul, Minnesota . First Community Bank issues official checks through US Bank, St. Paul, Minnesota . The counterfeit items also display a logo of a building between the words "FIRST" and "COMMUNITY" in the top-center portion of the item. Security wording is embedded in the top border.

Authentic official checks display a logo consisting of computerized people standing in front of a pine tree between the words "FIRST" and "COMMUNITY." Authentic official checks also display security wording along the top of the check, which is not embedded in the border.

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:

Patrick Hoffman
Security Officer
First Community Bank
P.O. Box 478
Citronelle, Alabama 36522
Telephone: (251) 866-7327
Fax: (251) 866-9458
E-mail: pat.hoffman@fcb-al.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 Foster Bank, Chicago, Illinois, 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 071006282, which is assigned to The Foster Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic checks in style. The counterfeit items do not display a logo, but display the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" beneath the bank name in the top-right third portion of the item. In the top-left third, the counterfeit items display "REMITTER," with "FOSTER BANK, #1000646" on the next line. On the lines that follow, the counterfeit items display the names of cities where the bank operates branch offices; however, the counterfeit items incorrectly state "Arlington Height" rather than the correct " Arlington Heights ," and "kedzie" rather than the correct "Kedzie."

Authentic cashier's checks display the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" in large font in the lower-left portion of the check. The checks also display a logo of a negative image of the letter "f" across a circular shape in the top-center portion of the check. The bottom-right side of the logo displays lines; the remainder is dark shaded. A watermark of the logo appears across the center of the check. Directly beneath the logo is the bank's name. To the right of the logo are the names of cities where the bank operates branch offices.

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:

Rosa Chun
Vice President-Operations Officer
Telephone: (773) 202-4980
Fax: (773) 736-2081
E-mail: rosa.chun@fosterbank.com

or

James G. Gorst
Senior Vice President-Chief Operating Officer
The Foster Bank
5225 North Kedzie
Chicago, Illinois 60625
Telephone: (773) 279-4905
Fax: (773) 588-2507
E-mail: james.gorst@fosterbank.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

Citizens Tri-County Bank, Dunlap, Tennessee, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing its name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 064102070, which is assigned to Citizens Tri-County Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic checks in appearance. The counterfeit items display an incorrect branch address (in Nashville , TN ) in the top-center portion of the item. Printed above the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner is the statement "THE PURCHASER OF AN INDEMNITY BOND MAY BE REQUIRED BEFORE ANY CASHIER'S CHECK OF THIS BANK WILL BE REPLACED OR REFUNDED IN THE EVENT IT IS LOST, MISPLACED OR STOLEN."

Authentic items bear the words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" above the signature line in the lower-right corner. The checks are issued on green check stock paper with black borders and printing.

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:

Brenda C. Daugherty
Vice President and General Auditor
Citizens Tri-County Bank
P.O. Box 697
Dunlap, Tennessee 37327
Telephone: (423) 949-2173
Fax: (423) 949-4562
E-mail: bdaughterty@ctcbonline.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

Mascoma Savings Bank, Lebanon, 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 211770213, which is assigned to Mascoma Savings Bank. However, the bank issues authentic official checks through MoneyGram International, Inc. (formerly known as Travelers Express Company, Inc.) and are drawn on an account at U.S. Bank National Association, St. Paul, Minnesota. Authentic official checks display the routing number 096016765, which is assigned to U.S. Bank National Association.

The counterfeit items are dissimilar in appearance to authentic checks. In the top-left corner of the counterfeit item, the bank's name and logo are displayed in light print on a shaded background, and they appear to be a negative image. The bank's name, an incorrect branch address and a telephone number not associated with the bank are printed in the top center. "Cashier's Check" is printed in the lower-left corner. Printed in the top border is the statement "THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES - THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK."

Authentic checks display the bank's name and logo in dark print against a light background in the upper-left corner. "OFFICIAL CHECK" is printed in the top center. Two authorized signature lines are displayed. The checks are printed on green security paper, with ornate borders on the top and sides. The following statement appears across the bottom: "THE VARIABLE TONE BACKGROUND AREA OF THIS DOCUMENT CHANGES COLOR GRADUALLY AND SMOOTHLY FROM DARKER TONE AT THE TOP TO THE LIGHTEST TONE AT THE BOTTOM."

A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic item (void) are attached for your review.

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

Peter E. Begin
Security Officer
Mascoma Savings Bank
67 North Park Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
Telephone: (603) 443-8664
FAX: (603) 448-1470
peter.begin@mascomabank.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

Wells River Savings Bank, Wells River, Vermont, 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 211674788, which is assigned to Wells River Savings Bank. The counterfeit items also display the bank's name, the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK," date cell, and amount cell inside of rectangular-shaped boxes throughout the item. The wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" is displayed near the top-center portion of the item. However, authentic checks are referred to as "TREASURER'S CHECKS" and the wording is displayed in the lower-left corner of the checks.

Authentic treasurer's checks display the bank's name in the top-center portion of the check, with the city, state and zip code beneath. Authentic checks do not display any rectangular-shaped boxes.

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:

Mary Jo Locke
Security Officer
Wells River Loan Office
47 Main Street North
Wells River, Vermont 05081
Telephone: (802) 757-3244, extension 240
Fax: (802) 757-3264
E-mail: mjlocke@wrsb.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 Chelsea Groton Savings Bank, Norwich, Connecticut, 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 211173357, which is assigned to The Chelsea Groton Savings Bank; however, the counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items display the bank's logo and "ChelseaGroton" in the upper-left corner above the words "Cashier's Check." "Chelsea Groton Savings Bank" appears in the top center above the name of a branch location and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. The counterfeit items are pink and have one signature line in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks bear the words "Treasurer's Check" in the top center. The bank logo, name and a Groton, Connecticut , address appear in the upper-left corner. Authentic checks are purple and have two signature lines in the lower-right corner. The statements "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER" and "THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW" are printed in the top and bottom borders, respectively.

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

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

Donna Thompson
Assistant Treasurer, Security Officer
The Chelsea Groton Savings Bank
1 Franklin Square
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
Telephone: (860) 823-4906
Fax: (860) 823-4969
E-mail: donnathompson@chelseagroton.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

1st Security Bank of Washington, Mountlake Terrace, Washington, 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 325182289, which is assigned to 1st Security Bank of Washington. However, authentic checks are issued through Key Bank National Association, Cleveland, Ohio, and display the routing number 125000574, which is assigned to Key Bank National Association.

The counterfeit items are dissimilar in appearance to authentic checks. The counterfeit items bear the bank's name and logo in the upper-left corner above a Lynnwood , Washington , street address and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. The words "FDIC INSURED" and "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the top center. Printed in the top border is the following statement: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The counterfeit items are printed on blue and white office supply stock paper and have two authorized signature lines in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo and name followed by two office locations and the bank's toll-free telephone number – (800) 683-0973 – in the upper-left portion of the check. "KEY BANK LYNNWOOD OFFICE" appears in the top-right corner of the check. One authorized signature line is displayed in the lower-right corner.

A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic item (void) are attached for your review.

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

1st Security Bank of Washington
Client Services Department
P.O. Box 97000
Lynnwood, WA 98046-9700
Telephone: (800) 683-0973
Fax: (425) 771-1642
or
Jean Collins
Fraud Analyst
Telephone: (800) 683-0973, Extension 3202
E-mail: jeanc@1stsecurityofwa.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)