Special Alert: SLS00356

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...

Guaranty Bond Bank, Mount Pleasant, 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 display the routing number 051900353, which is assigned to Branch Banking and Trust Company, Charleston, West Virginia (BB&T). Guaranty Bond Bank issues cashier's checks using a payable-through account at BB&T. Although the counterfeit items are similar to authentic checks, the counterfeit items have security feature descriptions embedded within the top and bottom borders and have rounded corners, which authentic checks do not have.

Authentic checks have security feature descriptions printed along the top border. The words "BANK WITH PRIDE" are printed vertically along the right border. The checks are printed on light-green paper with a basket-weave pattern and have squared corners.

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:

Marcana Ellithorp
Assistant Vice President of Operations
Guaranty Bond Bank
100 West Arkansas Street
Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455
Phone (903) 572-9881
Fax (903) 572-9658
E-mail: mellithorp@gnty.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. Questions 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/2007/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) 

Washington Federal Savings Bank, Washington, Pennsylvania, 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 243374221, which is assigned to Washington Federal Savings Bank. The items are not similar to authentic checks and include the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" below the top border, printed on the right side of the institution's name. In the top-left corner is a "W" logo, which is not associated with the institution. Security feature descriptions are embedded within the top border and detailed on the back.

Authentic checks display the words "TREASURER'S CHECK" centered below the top border and include the institution's official logo in the top-left corner. Authentic checks also display the institution's name and the words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" above the lower-right corner. The checks are printed on paper with a pale blue background.

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:

Kenneth E. Arthur, Jr.
Security Officer
Washington Federal Savings Bank
77 South Main Street
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
Telephone (724) 222-3120 Ext. 1155
Fax: (724) 223-4169
E-mail: karthur@washfed.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. Questions 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/2007/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)

 

Skagit State Bank, Burlington, 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 125105631, which is assigned to Skagit State Bank. The items also display an address (" 30407 68th Ave NW · Stanwood, WA 98292") below the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion. The following statements are embedded within the top border: "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A GREEN & BLUE BORDER AND BACKGROUND PLUS A KNIGHT & FINGERPRINT WATERMARK ON THE BANK · HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW." The following statements are embedded within the bottom border: "ABSENCE OF PINK U.S. PATENT NUMBERS UNDER SIGNATURE INDICATES CHECK IS FRAUDULENT. PATENT NUMBERS ARE PRINTED WITH HEAT SENSITIVE INK & WILL DISAPPEAR WHEN BLOWING OR RUBBING." The counterfeit items also include the statement "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS" just below the right side of the written dollar amount line. Printed along the lower-right border is the statement: "SIGNATURE AREA CONTAINS A KNIGHT & FINGERPRINT CHECK WORDING."

Authentic checks display the names of eight towns where branches are located directly below the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "FRONT OF DOCUMENT FEATURES COLORED BACKGROUND INSIDE THIS HIGH RESOLUTION BORDER AND A WHITE BAND OUTSIDE OF BORDER." The words "OFFICE" and "REMITTER" appear in the top-left corner. "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" is printed above the signature line in the lower-right corner of authentic checks.

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:

Nadine Springer
Assistant Vice President, Retail Operations Officer, Security Officer
Skagit State Bank
301 East Fairhaven Avenue
P.O. Box 285
Burlington, Washington 98233
Telephone: (360) 755-1510, extension 3177
Fax: (360) 755-9224
E-mail: nadines@skagitbank.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. Questions 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/2007/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) 

Farmington Savings Bank, Farmington, 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 display the routing number 051900353, which is assigned to Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), Charleston , West Virginia . Farmington Savings Bank issues cashier's checks through a BB&T account. The counterfeit items are not similar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items have security feature descriptions embedded in the top, bottom and right borders. In addition, a toll-free telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, is printed below the bank's name and location in the upper-left corner.

Authentic checks have security feature descriptions printed below the top border. The words "PAYABLE THROUGH BB&T, CHARLESTON , WV " are displayed directly below the "REMITTER" line in the lower-left corner. The checks are printed on light blue paper with dark blue borders.

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:

William L. Greger
Security Officer
Farmington Savings Bank
32 Main Street
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
Phone: (860) 284-6532
Fax: (860) 674-4834
E-mail: wlg@fsbct.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. Questions 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/2007/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)

 

Capital Bank & Trust Company, Albany, New York, 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 reportedly accompanied by a letter regarding winnings from a sweepstakes or lottery.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 021312971, which is assigned to Capital Bank & Trust Company. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are centered below the top border. The bank's name, branch office, address and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, appear above the lower-left corner. The bank's name and logo are printed in the upper-left corner. The bank name is repeated above the "Authorized Signature" line on the right side of the items. The items also include two lines below the top-right corner with the words "Initials (type)" and "Center" printed below those lines.

Capital Bank & Trust Company issues checks with the words "TREASURER'S CHECK" centered below the top border. The bank's logo, name and address are printed below the upper-left corner. The word "REMITTER" appears above 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:

Rick Bromberg
Security & Information Technology Officer
Capital Bank & Trust Company
145 Wolf Road
Albany, New York 12205
Telephone: (518) 435-8901
Fax: (518) 438-0225
E-mail: rbromberg@capitalbank.com

Alternate contact:

Mary Pierson
Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
Capital Bank & Trust Company
7 Southwoods Boulevard
Albany, New York 12211
Telephone: (518) 433-5817
Fax: (518) 438-1242
E-mail: mpierson@capitalbank.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. Questions 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/2007/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) 

PBI Bank, Louisville, Kentucky, 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 reportedly associated with a lottery/sweepstakes scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 022000868, which is assigned to Citibank, N.A., Buffalo , New York . PBI Bank issues official checks through an Integrated Payment Systems, Inc., account at Citibank, N.A. The counterfeit items also display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" inside of a rectangle with rounded corners in the top center. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES THE FACE OF THE DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER." The following security statements are displayed between two padlock symbols above the bottom border: "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK."

PBI Bank issues official checks that display the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" inside of a rectangle with rounded corners in the top center. Printed on both sides of the rectangle is the following security statement: "HOLD DOCUMENT UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK." The official checks have a woven-patterned background and a scroll pattern in the top and side borders. A security padlock symbol appears in the lower-right corner directly below the word "DOLLARS."

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:

Kenneth Kidd
Deposit Compliance Officer
PBI Bank
P.O. Box 669
Munfordville, Kentucky 42765
Telephone: (270) 524-7283
Fax: (270) 524-5629
E-mail: kkidd@pbibank.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. Questions 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/2007/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)

 

Palmetto State Bank, Hampton, South Carolina, 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 mystery shopping scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 053202596, which is assigned to Palmetto State Bank. The items, which bear no resemblance to authentic money orders, display "CASHIER'S CHECK" encapsulated within a box centered below the top border. Directly below the box is a rectangular area with six arrows pointing to the right. A toll-free telephone number, which is not associated with the institution, is shown in the top-left corner. The following statements are embedded within the top border: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS PRINTED GREEN. THE BACK CONTAINS A SIMULATED WATERMARK."

Palmetto State Bank issues bank money orders rather than cashier's checks. Authentic money orders display "BANK MONEY ORDER" inside of a rectangle in the top-center portion. The money orders have an ornate-patterned left border.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic money order 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:

John Peters
Vice President
Palmetto State Bank
601 First Street West
Hampton, South Carolina 29924
Telephone: (803) 943-2671
Fax: (803) 943-5634
E-mail: jpeters@palmettostatebank.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. Questions 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 http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2007/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)

 

Clarke County State Bank, Osceola, Iowa, 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 073921653, which is assigned to Clarke County State Bank; however, they are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the following security statements embedded within the top border: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS PRINTED BLUE - THE BACK CONTAINS A SIMULATED WATERMARK." They also display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the upper-left corner below the bank's logo, name, city, state and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. The bank's name is repeated on the right side above two signature lines, each line of which is preceded by the word "PER." The counterfeit items also include the word "REMITTER" above the lower-left corner and a security padlock symbol in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the following security statements embedded within the top border: "FRONT OF DOCUMENT FEATURES COLORED BACKGROUND INSIDE THIS HIGH RESOLUTION BORDER AND A WHITE BAND OUTSIDE OF BORDER. BACK OF DOCUMENT HAS GREY PRINTING ON A WHITE BACKGROUND. 'SECURITY DOCUMENT' IS MICRO-PRINTED IN BOTTOM BORDER AND 'AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE IN THE SIGNATURE LINE." "CASHIER'S CHECK" is printed inside a rectangle centered below the top border. The rectangle has arrows pointing outward on the left and right edges. The bank's "CCSB" logo, name, city, state, zip code and Web site address are printed above the lower-left corner. Centered near the right border is a security padlock symbol printed above the wording: "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IF $50,000 OR OVER."

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:

Sheila M. Boor
Assistant Vice President, Manager of Information Systems
Clarke County State Bank
139 South Main Street
Osceola, Iowa 50213
Telephone: (641) 342-6581, extension 225
Fax: (641) 342-4647
E-mail: sboor@clarkebank.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. Questions 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/2007/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)

 

New York Community Bank, Westbury, New York, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Queens County Savings Bank are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 102000979, which is assigned to JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Denver , Colorado . New York Community Bank issues official checks through an Integrated Payment Systems, Inc. account held at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The counterfeit items display the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center. A logo (consisting of a squared letter "Q"), the name "QUEENS COUNTY SAVINGS BANK" and the wording "A Division Of New York Community Bank" are printed in the upper-left corner. In the lower-left corner, the items reference Integrated Payment Systems, Inc. and display a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank.

New York Community Bank issues official checks that display the wording "OFFICIAL CHECK" incorporated into the center of the top border. The security statement "HOLD DOCUMENT UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW THE WATERMARK" is displayed on both sides. The bank's logo (a square containing the letters "NYCB"), name and the slogan "THE STRENGTH BEHIND THE BANKS YOU TRUST · MEMBER OF FDIC" are printed in the upper-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:

James Christopher
Assistant Treasurer and Fraud Investigator
New York Community Bank
615 Merrick Avenue, Security Department
Westbury, New York 11590
Telephone: (516) 683-4180
Fax: (516) 683-8099
E-mail: James.Christopher@mynycb.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. Questions 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/2007/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)

 

Hyde Park Bank and Trust Company, Chicago, 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 counterfeit items display the routing number 071004022, which is assigned to Hyde Park Bank and Trust Company. The items are similar in appearance to authentic cashier's checks; however, the counterfeit items have rounded corners and display security statements within the top and bottom borders. The counterfeit items are green in color.

Authentic checks display the wording "ORIGINAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT" encapsulated in gold foil, which is centered and incorporated into the top border. The following security statement is printed below the written dollar amount line in a script font: "This document has a multi-color background, a micro-print signature line, and a holographic foil title; absence of these features will indicate a copy." Authentic checks also include a security padlock, which is incorporated into the right border.

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:

Ed Maci
Director of Security
Hyde Park Bank and Trust Company
1525 East 53rd Street
Chicago, Illinois 60615
Telephone: (773) 753-9624
Fax: (773) 753-9633
E-mail: emaci@hydeparkbank.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. Questions 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/2007/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)