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Special Alert: SLS00290
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 t...
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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.
Special Alerts
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SA-89-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Unauthorized Banking Activities |
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Summary: |
The Central Bank of the |
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has informed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that Trinity Savings Bank, Ltd.,
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
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Mail: |
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency |
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Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10 |
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Fax: |
(202) 874-5301 |
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E-mail: |
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).
Special Alerts
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SA-90-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Missing, Lost or Stolen Cashier's Checks |
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Summary: |
Citrus and Chemical Bank, |
Citrus and Chemical Bank,
The serial numbers on the reported cashier's checks are 361201 through 361950 and 362201 through 363200, for a total of 1,750 cashier's checks. Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Jeffrey D. Hoch
Executive Vice President
Cell Phone: (863) 661-2753
E-mail: jhoch@cancbank.com
or
Susan Jennis
Security Officer
Cell Phone: (863) 670-4963
E-mail: sjennis@candcbank.com
Citrus and Chemical Bank
Telephone: (863) 533-3171
Fax: (863) 519-2196
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).
Special Alerts
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SA-91-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Fraudulent Cashier's Checks |
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Summary: |
Fraudulent cashier's checks drawn on First Fidelity Bank, |
First Fidelity Bank,
The fraudulent items display the routing number 091403865, which is assigned to First Fidelity Bank; however, First Fidelity Bank does not issue cashier's checks. The fraudulent items bear a logo and the bank's name in the top-left corner above the slogan "The Family Business Bank." Also, the fraudulent items include the bank's name, address and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, in the lower-left corner and the words "CASHIERS CHECK" in the top center. A copy of the fraudulent item is attached for your review.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Randy Sachtjen
First Fidelity Bank
Telephone: (605) 775-2641
Fax: (605) 775-2250
E-mail: randysachtjen@ffb-sd.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,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
Special Alerts
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SA-92-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Counterfeit Official Checks |
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Summary: |
Counterfeit official checks drawn on Unizan Bank, |
The Huntington National Bank,
The counterfeit items display the routing number 022000868, which is assigned to an account that Integrated Payments Systems, Inc.,
The counterfeit items are similar to authentic official checks. Embedded in the top border of the counterfeit items is the wording: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING THE REVERSE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The counterfeit items are tan with a dark brown border.
Authentic official checks display the wording" "HOLD DOCUMENT TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK" along the top border on both sides of "OFFICIAL CHECK." Authentic checks are light blue with ornate dark blue borders on the top and sides, and the checks display a padlock symbol on the right side above the dollars line.
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:
Steve Bullett
Vice President & Corporate Security Officer
Unizan Bank, National Association
Phone: (614) 463-6811
Fax: (614) 462-2860
E-mail: sbullett@unizan.com
or
Karen Mathes,
Security Officer
Unizan Bank, National Association
Phone: (330) 438-4871
Fax: (330) 438-4850
E-mail: Karen.Mathes@huntington.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,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
Special Alerts
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SA-93-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Fraudulent Treasury Checks |
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Summary: |
Fraudulent treasury checks drawn on Charlevoix State Bank, |
Charlevoix State Bank, Charlevoix, Michigan, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that fraudulent treasury checks bearing the institution 's name are in circulation.
The fraudulent items display the routing number 072413683, which is assigned to Charlevoix State Bank; however, Charlevoix State Bank does not issue treasury checks. The fraudulent items bear the bank's logo and name in the upper-left corner, and "TREASURY CHECK" is printed in the top center. The bank's name, address and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, are printed in the lower-left corner. A copy of a fraudulent item is attached for your review.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Lisa Spang
Charlevoix State Bank
Phone: (231) 547-4411
Fax: (231) 547-7744
e-mail: rmh@csbchx.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,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
Special Alerts
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SA-94-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Unauthorized Banking |
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Summary: |
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has provided a listing of entities engaged in unauthorized banking activities named in OCC alerts since 1996. |
On March 28, 2006, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued the attached Alert 06-16, which provides an alphabetical listing of entities engaged in unauthorized banking activities, both offshore and domestic, named in OCC alerts from 1996 through the date the listing was issued. The listing is intended to aid in the search for names of such entities and to indicate the nature of the problem that prompted the alert. Both the listing and the individual alerts are available on the OCC's website at http://www.occ.treas.gov (click "Issuances," then "Alerts").
Any information concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
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Mail: |
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency |
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Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10 |
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Fax: |
(202) 874-5301 |
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E-mail: |
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Internet: |
Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment: Available at http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/alert/2006-16a.pdf - 187k (PDF Help)
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).
Special Alerts
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SA-95-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks |
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Summary: |
Pacific Western National Bank (also known as Pacific Western Bank), Santa Monica, California, has reported that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Bank, Austin, Texas, are in circulation. |
Pacific Western National Bank (also known as Pacific Western Bank), Santa Monica, California, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the name First Bank, Austin, Texas, are in circulation.
The counterfeit items display the routing number 122239775, which is assigned to Pacific Western Bank. However, Pacific Western National Bank issues cashier's checks with the routing number 122238200. The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in style. The counterfeit items display a "1" superimposed on top of a map of the
Authentic cashier's checks display "PACIFIC WESTERN BANK" to the right of a setting-sun logo, in the top-center portion of the check. Beneath the bank name, "
A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Sue Thomas
Operations Administration
Pacific Western Bank
250 N. Westlake Blvd.
Westlake, California 91362
Telephone: (805) 494-9368
E-mail: sthomas@pacificwesternbank.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,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
Special Alerts
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SA-96-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks |
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Summary: |
The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, |
The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank,
The counterfeit items display the routing number 211371078, which is assigned to The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. The counterfeit items are currently associated with a "Secret Shopping Scam," wherein the consumer is asked to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a payment system by sending the payment to a person in
Authentic checks display the wording "TREASURER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion of the check, with the wording "Negotiate Within Six Months of Date of Issue" appearing on the line directly beneath. Authentic checks display the bank name and logo in the top-left portion of the check. The bank name, followed by the city and state, is displayed in the lower-left portion of the treasurer's check.
A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Diane K. Rowlings
Security Officer
The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
19 West Road
Telephone: (508) 247-2128
Fax: (508) 247-5595
E-mail: drowlings@capecodfive.com
To report this scam or any other scam based in or mailed from
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Mail: |
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Web site: |
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Telephone: |
+1 (888) 495-8501 (toll-free in |
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Fax: |
+1 (888) 654-9426 (toll-free in |
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E-mail: |
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Advance fee fraud (including Nigerian and lottery letters): wafl@phonebusters.com |
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Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
Special Alerts
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SA-97-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks |
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Summary: |
Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on Great Western Bank, |
Great Western Bank,
The counterfeit items are relatively similar to authentic checks in style. The counterfeit items do not display a routing number, which will cause the item to be rejected. The counterfeit items contain security wording embedded in the top border, which has a dark background and light- colored lettering.
Authentic cashier's checks display the routing number 096016765 and are issued through Firstar Bank of
A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review.
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Kimberly Boatwright
Security Officer and BSA Administrator
Great Western Bank
Telephone: (402) 952-6027
Fax: (402) 552-1209
E-mail: Kimberly.boatwright@greatwesternbank.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,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)
Special Alerts
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SA-98-2006 |
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TO: |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer) |
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SUBJECT: |
Counterfeit Official Checks |
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Summary: |
Counterfeit official checks drawn on Cape Ann Savings Bank, |
Cape Ann Savings Bank, Gloucester, Massachusetts, 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 011000028, which is assigned to State Street Bank and Trust Company,
Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:
Ken Davis
Assistant Vice President-Security Officer
or
Amy Randazza
Assistant Vice President-Security Officer
Cape Ann Savings Bank
Telephone: (978) 282-5770
E-mail: amyr@casbank.com
Phonebusters-a joint partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police-is interested in receiving copies of scam letters involving Canadian mailing addresses or telephone numbers. Records relating to the payment of advance fees can 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:
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Mail: |
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Web site: |
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Telephone: |
+1 (888) 495-8501 (toll-free in |
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Fax: |
+1 (888) 654-9426 (toll-free in |
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E-mail: |
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Advance fee fraud (including Nigerian and lottery letters): wafl@phonebusters.com |
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Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section,
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.
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Sandra L. Thompson |
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Acting Director |
Attachment (not available electronically)
NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's
Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)