Special Alert: SLS00303

First Port City Bank, Bainbridge, Georgia, 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 061202452, which is assigned to First Port City Bank, and are similar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items are tan and have white borders with rounded corners. The counterfeit items include the following statement embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK."

Authentic checks have a light-blue background with black print and they include a patterned border with square corners. A security padlock symbol is inserted within the right border.

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

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

Debra Middleton
Information Security Officer
First Port City Bank
400 West Shotwell Street
Bainbridge, Georgia 39818
Telephone: (229) 246-6200
Fax: (229) 248-2709
E-mail: drmiddleton@bellsouth.net

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

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's website at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2006/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site 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)

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

The counterfeit items bear the routing number 221172238, which is assigned to Savings Bank of Danbury , but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items are pink with square corners. Printed in the top-center portion of the item, directly above a telephone number that is not associated with the bank, are the bank's name, city and state. The words "Cashier's Check" are centered on the left side of the item.

Authentic checks are blue and display the bank's logo, name and address in the upper-left corner. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are printed in the upper-right corner. Security feature descriptions are embedded in the top and bottom borders.

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:

Charles Williams
Assistant Vice President and Security Officer
Savings Bank of Danbury
100 Route 37
New Fairfield, Connecticut 06812
Phone: (203) 746-7995
Fax: (203) 746-7996
E-mail: cwilliams@sbdanbury.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 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)

City Bank, Lubbock, 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 bear the routing number 111301737, which is assigned to City Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items are green and display the bank's name and an " Everett, WA " address in the top-center portion of the item directly above a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. A description of security features is embedded in the top border of the counterfeit items.

Authentic checks display the bank's name in cursive font, a logo and the words "MEMBER FDIC" in the top-center portion of the check. Authentic checks are blue and include a description of security features vertically along the right margin.

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:

Julie Beene
Vice President, Risk Management
City Bank Texas
5219 City Bank Parkway
Lubbock, Texas 79407
Telephone: (800) 687-2265
Fax: (806) 771-3343
E-mail: jbeene@citybanktexas.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 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)

Equity Bank, A National Association, Andover, Kansas, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items bear the routing number 101105354, which is assigned to Equity Bank, A National Association, but are dissimilar to authentic items. The counterfeit items include the bank's logo and name within a rectangular box located in the upper-left corner and directly above the words "CASHIER'S CHECK." The bank's name, city, state and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, appear in the top-center portion of the check.

Equity Bank does not issue cashier's checks. Authentic bank money orders display the bank's logo, name, address and telephone number in the top-center portion of the item. In the lower-left corner are the words "BANK MONEY ORDER." Authentic money orders include ornate borders, two signature lines in the lower-right corner and security-feature descriptions printed below the amount line. Authentic money orders are gray and have a holograph seal along the top.

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

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

Julie Huber
Executive Vice President
Equity Bank
225 West Central
Andover, Kansas 67002
Phone: (316) 858-3100
Fax: (316) 630-8394
E-mail: julieh@equitywebbank.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 electronic images of fraudulent items or authentic checks that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Financial institutions can view images of the fraudulent items and authentic checks (marked as VOID) using the FDIC's free, secure Web site, FDICconnect. (See more information about FDICconnect at http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2006/fil06032.html.) Printed copies of each Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

First National Bank of Nevada, Scottsdale, Arizona, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The counterfeit items are associated with a scam that includes a letter notifying recipients of winning a cash prize in a lottery drawing. Recipients are instructed to make immediate contact using the information listed below and arrange to wire transfer processing fees prior to having the winnings released:

• Zenon Publishing Sweepstakes House, Winnings Processing Center, 7861 Victoria Drive, SW, Edmonton, AB–V3V-6C5, (780) 604-5806; or
• Century Link Pos, 555 Belleville Street, Suite 800 , Victoria , BC V8V 2X5 , (250) 813-0583.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 0122401723, which is assigned to First National Bank of Nevada , and are similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, the counterfeit items are printed on check stock that fades from blue to purple (left to right). The statement "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BACKGROUND AND AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK CERTIFICATION SEAL ON THE BACK–HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW SEAL" is embedded in the top border. A blurred image of black mountains is embedded within the bank's logo and centered at the top of the item. The statement "SIGNATURE HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND" is located under the dual signature line at the bottom-right side of the item. The reverse side contains a watermark certification seal stating "ABA/ANSI SEAL Tested."

Authentic cashier's checks are printed on a multi-colored background of peach and light green with a purple image of mountains embedded within a logo. A security statement is contained under the dollar amount line, and a foil hologram security strip is located along the top border. The statement "FOIL STRIP HOLOGRAM" is printed in a continuous loop along the top border.

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:

For additional information or to verify the authenticity of the check, please contact:

Patricia Coronado
Assistant Vice President/ Corporate Security Department
First National Bank of Nevada
17600 N. Perimeter Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
Telephone: (480) 224-8243
Fax: (480) 224-8536
E-mail: pcorondado@fnbaonline.com

Additional information concerning this matter may be brought to the OCC's attention at:

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.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Irwin Union Bank and Trust Company, Columbus, Indiana, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items bear the routing number 074902341, which is assigned to Irwin Union Bank and Trust Company, and are similar to authentic checks. However, the following statement is embedded in the top border of the counterfeit items: "THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK – HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW." A padlock symbol and list of security features are printed in a box on the bottom of the reverse side of the counterfeit item.

Authentic checks are light blue with white margins. The following statement is embedded in the top border of the checks: "SECURITY WARNING: THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT FEATURES A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINT BORDERS – THE REVERSE SIDE FEATURES ARTIFICIAL WATERMARKS." The reverse side of authentic checks bears the following statement at the bottom: "THIS DOCUMENT IS PROTECTED BY ARTIFICIAL WATERMARKS. HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW."

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Contact Center
Irwin Union Bank
500 Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana 47201
Phone: (888) 879-5900
Fax: (812) 376-1644

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

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2006/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site electronic images of fraudulent items or authentic checks that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Financial institutions can view images of the fraudulent items and authentic checks (marked as VOID) using the FDIC's free, secure Web site, FDICconnect. (See more information about FDICconnect at http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2006/fil06032.html.) Printed copies of each Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

North Community Bank, Chicago, Illinois, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the bank's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items include the routing number 071001533, which is assigned to North Community Bank. Some, but not all, of the counterfeit items display the routing number as 71001533, which is missing the leading zero. The counterfeit items include an "NC" logo, the bank's name, city and state in the upper-left corner with the word "REMITTER" displayed directly below. The counterfeit items display a serial number beginning with the letters "EW."

Authentic checks display "OFFICIAL BANK CHECK" in the top-left portion of the item. The following statement appears in the top center of the check: "The purchase of an indemnity bond may be required before this check will be replaced or refunded in the event it is lost, misplaced, or stolen."

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:

Carrie McBriar
Fraud Officer
North Community Bank
2335 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Telephone: (773) 244-7049
Fax: (773) 244-7065
E-mail: cmbriar@northcommunitybank.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 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)