Special Alert: SLS00310

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Special Alert: SLS00310

Bulletin Document
V 1
Date: August 29, 2006
To: All Issuing Offices
RE: FDIC Special Alert Notices - SA-221-2006 through SA-230-2006

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/2006/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:

Patty Hoesl
Claims & Litigation Paralegal
Stewart Legal Services
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
1980 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 710
Houston, Texas 77056
(800) 729-1902
(713) 629-2248 FAX
phoesl@stewart.com EMAIL


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

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.

SA-221-2006
August 17, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Rose Hill State Bank, Rose Hill, Kansas, are reportedly in circulation.

Rose Hill Bank, Rose Hill, Kansas, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the name Rose Hill State Bank are reportedly in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 091911315, which is assigned to Citizens State Bank of Clara City, Lake Lillian, Minnesota, and are dissimilar to Rose Hill Bank's authentic checks. The counterfeit items display the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" in the top-left corner, directly above the name and address: "ROSE HILL STATE BANK, ROSE HILL, KS 67133." The top-center portion includes "Citibank" followed by "Buffalo, NY 14202-1490."

Authentic checks include the proper routing number 101110213, which is assigned to Rose Hill Bank. The checks display "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center and include printed lines for the "REMITTER," "PAY TO THE ORDER OF," and "DATE" fields. The bank's logo is displayed in the bottom-left corner along with "ROSE HILL BANK" and the bank's mailing address.

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:

Garth Kellenbarger
Executive Vice President
Rose Hill Bank
Main Street
Rose Hill, Kansas 67133
Telephone: (316) 776-2131
Fax: (316) 776-2831
E-mail: garthk@rosehillbank.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting 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)

SA-222-2006
August 17, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Stolen Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Stolen cashier's checks bearing the name First National Bank in Whitney, Whitney, Texas, are reportedly in circulation.

First National Bank in Whitney, Whitney, Texas, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that 2,500 cashier's checks bearing the bank's name were stolen while being shipped to the bank.

The stolen checks display the serial numbers 99951 through 102451. Authentically prepared cashier's checks are typewritten and bonded, while stolen items may be handwritten and may not be bonded. To date, stolen items have been presented for payment in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area.

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

Mary Helen Lane
Vice President
307 N. Brazos
P.O. Box 547
Whitney, Texas 76692
Telephone: (254) 694-2209
Fax: (254) 694-3839
E-mail: murtylane@fnbwitney.com

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

Mail:

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219

Fax:

(202) 874-5214

E-mail:

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

Internet:

http://www.occ.treas.gov

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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

SA-223-2006
August 17, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Milford Savings Bank, Milford, Connecticut, are reportedly in circulation.

The Milford Bank, Milford, Connecticut, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's routing number and a similar name are reportedly in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 211170211, which is assigned to The Milford Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items display "Cashier's Check" in the top center, just below the wording "THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SECURITY FEATURES. SEE REVERSE." A telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, appears in the upper-left corner below "Milford Savings Bank" and the correct bank address.

Authentic checks display "OFFICIAL CHECK" in the bottom center. The checks also display the routing number 096016765, which is assigned to U.S. Bank, St. Paul, Minnesota. The Milford Bank issues checks through MoneyGram Payment Systems, using an account at U.S. Bank. The following statements are embedded in 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 bank's logo appears in the upper-left corner, with "THE MILFORD BANK" printed below it. The following statement is displayed in the top center: "NOTICE: In the event this check is lost or stolen, an affidavit of loss and indemnity agreement may be required before a replacement is issued. An indemnity bond for twice the amount may be required." The following is displayed on three lines in the upper-right corner: "ISSUED BY: MONEYGRAM PAYMENT SYSTEMS, INC., P.O. BOX 9476 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55480, DRAWEE: US BANK, ST. PAUL, MN."

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:

Ric Biroscak
Security Officer
The Milford Bank
33 Broad Street
Milford, Connecticut 06460
Telephone: (203) 783-5700
Fax: (203) 783-5755
E-mail: rbiroscak@milfordbank.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

SA-224-2006
August 17, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Bank Money Orders

Summary:

Counterfeit bank money orders bearing the name State Bank of Park Rapids, Park Rapids, Minnesota, are reportedly in circulation.

State Bank of Park Rapids, Park Rapids, Minnesota, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit bank money orders bearing the institution's name are reportedly in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with a fraudulent employment scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 091202338, which is assigned to the State Bank of Park Rapids. The counterfeit items are nearly identical to the authentic bank money orders. However, the authentic money orders display the bank's telephone number below the logo in the lower-left corner. In addition, payee and remitter information are always typed on authentic money orders.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic money order (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:

Darcey Fritze
Assistant Vice President of Operations
Telephone: (218) 732-3366, Extension 115
or
Ann Lempola
Cashier
Telephone: (218) 732-3366, Extension 119

State Bank of Park Rapids
200 East 1st Street
Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470
Fax: (218) 732-8829
E-mail: sbprinfo@statebankofparkrapids.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting 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)

SA-225-2006
August 17, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Community Bank of Galena, Illinois, are reportedly in circulation.

First Community Bank of Galena (Illinois), a branch of Apple River State Bank, Apple River, Illinois, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with merchandise sales over the Internet.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 071108698, which is assigned to Galena State Bank & Trust Co., Galena, Illinois. Authentic cashier's checks display the proper routing number 071122247, which is assigned to Apple River State Bank. The counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion and the logo of First Community Bank of Galena in the upper-left corner. An address of "971 Gear Street," which is a branch location of Galena State Bank & Trust Co., is displayed in the lower-left corner, along with the telephone number "(815) 777-8800." This telephone number is First Community Bank of Galena's 24-hour banking service number. The statement "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS OF ISSUANCE" is located in the lower right above an "Authorized Signature" line.

Authentic cashier's checks display a logo in the upper-left corner, with "P.O. Box 6006, Galena, IL 61036" printed to the right of the logo. "CASHIER'S CHECK" is displayed 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:

David Wilmarth
Operations Officer
First Community Bank of Galena
A Branch of Apple River State Bank
P. O. Box 6006
Galena, Illinois 61036
Telephone: (815) 777-6300
Fax: (815) 777-6304
E-mail: davidw@galenalink.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting 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)

SA-226-2006
August 17, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name The Kaw Valley State Bank and Trust Company, Topeka, Kansas, are reportedly in circulation.

The Kaw Valley State Bank and Trust Company, Topeka, 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 are associated with a lottery scam involving the Universal Blueprint International Lotto in Australia.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 101100142, which is assigned to The Kaw Valley State Bank and Trust Company, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items have security wording embedded in the top border and include one signature line.

Authentic cashier's checks display security wording below the "DOLLARS" line. The checks have two signature lines. In addition, authentic checks have ornate (scroll-designed) corners framing the check on each of the top corners and on the lower-left corner.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic cashier's 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:

Josh Martin
Compliance Officer
The Kaw Valley State Bank and Trust Company
1110 North Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66608
Telephone: (785) 232-0995 Extension 340
Fax: (785) 232-6513
E-mail: joshm@kawvalleybank.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting 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)

SA-227-2006
August 18, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Money Orders

Summary:

Counterfeit money orders bearing the name Belmont Savings Bank, Belmont, Massachusetts, are reportedly in circulation.

Belmont Savings Bank, Belmont, Massachusetts, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit money orders bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 0220008683, which is not a valid routing number, and are dissimilar to authentic money orders issued by Belmont Savings Bank. The counterfeit items display the words "NOT GOOD FOR MORE THAN $10,000.00" in the lower-left corner. The statement "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER" is embedded within the top border. Centered along the bottom border between two padlock symbols are the statements "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK."

Authentic money orders are issued through Integrated Payment Systems, Inc., Englewood, Colorado, payable through Citibank, N.A., Buffalo, New York, and include the routing number 022000868. Authentic money orders have ornate top and side borders, and the statement "NOT GOOD FOR MORE THAN $1,000" is printed in the lower-left corner. "HOLD DOCUMENT UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK" is printed twice below the top border.

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

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

Susan D. Rizzo
Assistant Vice President/Security Officer
Belmont Savings Bank
2 Leonard Street
Belmont, Massachusetts 02478
Telephone: (617) 484-6700, extension 130
Fax: (617) 484-5609
E-mail: susan.rizzo@belmontsavings.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting 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)

SA-228-2006
August 18, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Official Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit official checks bearing the name Belmont Savings Bank, Belmont, Massachusetts, are reportedly in circulation.

Belmont Savings Bank, Belmont, Massachusetts, 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 211371764, which is assigned to Belmont Savings Bank. The lower-left corner includes a statement that the counterfeit items are issued by New England Payment Systems, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts. Belmont Savings Bank issues authentic checks through an account at Bank of America, N.A. (formerly known as Fleet Bank in Massachusetts). Authentic checks display the routing number 011000138, which is assigned to Bank of America, N.A.

The counterfeit items display the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" within a box in the top-center portion. A logo of a dove in the foreground over a tilted box with dark shades and stripes is displayed in the top-left corner next to the bank's name and address. The FDIC logo is shown on the upper-right side of the item.

Authentic checks are not referred to as official checks and include no logos. Authentic checks display the bank's name, location and the phrase "A COMMUNITY BANK OVER A CENTURY OF SERVICE" in the top-center portion. The words "FLEET BANK" and "Massachusetts" are shown in the bottom-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:

Susan D. Rizzo
Assistant Vice President and Security Officer
Belmont Savings Bank
2 Leonard Street
Belmont, Massachusetts 02478
Telephone: (617) 484-6700 Extension 130
Fax: (617) 484-5609
E-mail: susan.rizzo@belmontsavings.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting 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)

SA-229-2006
August 18, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Bank Drafts

Summary:

Counterfeit bank drafts bearing the name Bank of China, New York Branch, New York, New York, are reportedly in circulation.

Bank of China, New York Branch, New York, New York, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit bank drafts bearing the bank's name are in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with an upfront-fee scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 026003269, which is assigned to Bank of China. While the counterfeit items bear a significant resemblance to the authentic drafts, the counterfeit items may be identified by the following missing information: the words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES" under the signature line and the words "for BANK OF CHINA" under the dollar amount box. All counterfeit items presented to date show the "Issuing Office" as Bank of China, Beijing Branch.

Potential victims have received the counterfeit checks via the U.S. Postal Service, with many of the mailings originating from Africa. Reportedly, recipients are asked to open a bank account with the check, instructed to retain ten percent of the check amount, and directed to remit the remaining balance back to the sender.

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

John Beauchemin
Chief Compliance Officer
Bank of China
410 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 935-3101, extension 267
Fax: (212) 829-7313
E-mail: JBeauchemin@bocusa.com

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

Mail:

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219

Fax:

(202) 874-5214

E-mail:

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

Internet:

http://www.occ.treas.gov

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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

SA-230-2006
August 18, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Old National Bank, Evansville, Indiana, are reportedly in circulation.

Old National Bank, Evansville, Indiana, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the bank's name are in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with various lottery scams.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 086300012, which is assigned to Old National Bank. The counterfeit items presented to date have been dark blue, green and purple in color and are printed on versa stock paper. The items appear to have a security statement along the top border. The items have neither a remitter line, nor a security statement along the bottom. Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items alerts the recipients of their winning status in either a sweepstakes or lottery. Copies of the correspondence are not available at this time.

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

Mail:

Corporate Security Department
Old National Bank
Evansville, Indiana

Phone:

(866) 795-7474

Fax:

(812) 461-9313

E-mail:

security@oldnational.com

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

Mail:

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219

Fax:

(202) 874-5214

E-mail:

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

Internet:

http://www.occ.treas.gov

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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)


References

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