Special Alert: SLS00317

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Special Alert: SLS00317

Bulletin Document
V 1
Date: January 08, 2007
To: All Issuing Offices
RE: FDIC Special Alert Notices - SA-251-2006 through SA-255-2006

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:

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

mthomasl@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-251-2006
August 29, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Northern Neck State Bank,Warsaw, Virginia, are reportedly in circulation.

 

Northern Neck State Bank, Warsaw, Virginia, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

There are two versions of counterfeit items, both displaying the routing number 096016765, which is assigned to U.S. Bank, St. Paul, Minnesota. Northern Neck State Bank issues cashier's checks through an account at U.S. Bank.

The first version has a logo of a double letter "N" similar to authentic checks and is printed on either light blue or pink check stock with dark borders. The top border has security wording embedded. The second version has a logo consisting of the letter "N" placed above another letter "N," so that the two N's are aligned vertically. The top border on this version also has security wording embedded.

Authentic cashier's checks are printed on check stock that has an off-white background with a basket weave pattern. The check borders and print are dark blue. Authentic checks have security wording printed beneath the top border and have a microprint signature line. A watermark is shown on the reverse side. The logo consists of a double letter "N" and is centered at the top of the authentic check between the words "NORTHERN" and "NECK."

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:

Heather Eustace
Security Loss Prevention Administrator
E-mail: heustace@ubsh.com

or

Scott Nininger
Vice President
E-mail: snininger@ubsh.com

Union Bancshares Corporation
P.O. Box 446
Bowling Green, Virginia 22427
Telephone: (804) 633-5031
Fax: (804) 633-2454

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-252-2006
August 29, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Columbia Bank, Tacoma , Washington , are reportedly in circulation.

 

Columbia State Bank (also known as Columbia Bank), Tacoma, Washington, 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 125108272, which is assigned to Columbia State Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" and the FDIC logo are centered at the top of the counterfeit items. The counterfeit items have a marbled blue background. They display the address " 6202 Mount Tacoma Drive , Lakewood , WA 98499 " and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, in the upper-left corner. Embedded in the top border is the statement: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." Two signature lines appear in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display "Cashier's Check" in the lower-left corner above the words "Columbia State Bank, Tacoma , Washington ." The check background consists of a watermark with white and blue "CB" logos in a tiled formation. The statement "THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK" is embedded within the bottom border. Authentic checks have one signature line in the bottom-right corner.

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

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

Michelle Hill
Fraud Investigation Officer
Columbia State Bank
Post Office Box 2156, MS OP-2119
Tacoma, Washington 98401-2156
Phone: (253) 471-4081
Fax: (253) 471-5030
E-mail: mhill@columbiabank.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.

 

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-253-2006
August 29, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Community National Bank of Sarasota County, Venice, Florida, are reportedly in circulation.

 

Community National Bank of Sarasota County, Venice, Florida, 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 originating in Ghana , Africa , and are associated with an Internet purchase scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 063112993, which is assigned to Community National Bank of Sarasota County , and are similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, the counterfeit items can be identified by the following:

  • The items are cream-colored;
  • The logo appears faded;
  • The abbreviation "NO." does not precede the check number;
  • The reverse side of the item contains endorsement instructions, lines for signatures, and "Federal Reserve Board of Governor Reg. CC."

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

Silverio Algarin
Compliance Officer
Community National Bank of Sarasota County
201 Center Road
Venice, Florida 34285
Phone: (941) 488-6660
Fax: (941) 484-8153
E-mail: frank.algarin@cnbsara.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-254-2006
August 29, 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 National Bank of Midland, Midland, Texas, are reportedly in circulation.

 

First National Bank of Midland, Midland, Texas, 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 an Internet purchase scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 116324201, which is assigned to First National Bank of Midland , and bear a strong resemblance to authentic cashier's checks. However, the counterfeit items have a black border around the entire check and asterisks precede and follow the dollar amount.

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

George Reeves
Senior Vice President Operations
First National Bank of Midland
123 N. Colorado
Midland, Texas 79701
Phone: (806) 374-1000
Fax: (806) 374-6954
E-mail: GReeves@fbotexas.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-255-2006
August 31, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Capitol City Bank, Atlanta, Georgia, are reportedly in circulation.

 

Capitol City Bank & Trust Company, Atlanta, Georgia, 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 061004812, which is assigned to Capitol City Bank & Trust Company. However, the counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks. On the counterfeit items, "Capitol City Bank, Atlanta , GA " appears on two lines in the upper-right corner above the check date box. Printed twice below the ornate top border is the statement: "HOLD DOCUMENT UP TO LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK."

Authentic checks have a foil strip hologram along the top, and the issuing branch name is printed below the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center. The bank's capitol dome logo, name and address appear in the lower-left corner. A padlock symbol and a security feature statement appear on the right side. Authentic checks are printed on security document paper that fades from pink to green.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (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:

Mary M. Hollis
Compliance Officer
562 Lee Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30310
Phone: (404) 752-6067 Extension 272
Fax: (404) 752-5862
E-mail: mhollis@capitolcitybank-atl.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.

 

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)

 


References

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