Special Alert: SLS00309

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 ...

Westborough Savings Bank, Westborough, Massachusetts (also known as Westborough Bank), has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the name Westborough Bank are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 211370396, which is assigned to Westborough Savings Bank. The counterfeit items are not similar to authentic checks and are printed on green paper with black print. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are printed in the top-center portion of the items, and the FDIC symbol is located in the upper-right corner. A cupola logo appears in the upper-left corner of the counterfeit items, and a statement that the check is drawn on New England Payment Systems, Boston, Massachusetts , appears in the lower-left corner. The following statement is embedded in the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK."

Authentic checks display the bank's star logo, made up of five "W's" in a circle, in the upper-left corner. Authentic checks are printed on blue check stock with dark blue printing. The following statement is embedded in the top border: "WARNING! THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A VOID FEATURE PANTOGRAPH TO GUARD AGAINST TAMPERING."

Copies of the 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:

Vickie Bouvier
Senior VP/Senior Operations Officer
Westborough Savings Bank
100 East Main Street
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
Phone: (508) 366-4111 extension 3202
Fax: (508) 616-9206
E-mail: vbouvier@westboroughbank.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.

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)

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

The counterfeit items bear the routing number 051403850, which is assigned to Bank of Lancaster, and are similar to authentic checks. However, embedded in the top border of the counterfeit items is the statement "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER." In addition, the following wording is printed along the bottom center with padlock symbols on both sides of the text: "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED. DETAILS ON BACK."

Authentic checks are light blue and do not include security feature descriptions in the upper or lower borders.

Copies of the 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:

Margaret Brown
Internal Auditor
Bank of Lancaster
100 South Main Street
Kilmarnock, Virginia 22482
Phone: (804) 435-5256
Fax: (804) 435-7336
E-mail: mbrown@banklanc.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.

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)

Bankers' Bank Northeast, Glastonbury, Connecticut, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that fraudulent checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The fraudulent items display the routing number 011110617, which is assigned to Bankers' Bank Northeast. However, Bankers' Bank Northeast does not offer checking accounts to customers or businesses, nor does it issue treasurer, official or cashier checks.

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

Elissa G. Reynolds
Vice President of Operations
Bankers' Bank Northeast
655 Winding Brook Drive
Glastonbury, Connecticut 06033
Phone: (860) 657-2265
Fax: (860) 633-5877
E-mail: egr@bankersbanknortheast.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.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

First United Bank & Trust, Oakland, Maryland, 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 102000979, which is payable through JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Denver, Colorado . First United Bank & Trust issues official checks through Integrated Payment Systems, Inc., Englewood, Colorado, payable through JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Denver, Colorado . The counterfeit items are not similar to authentic cashier's checks in appearance. The counterfeit items are printed on check stock that fades from green to blue, and they include a red logo next to the bank's name, city, state and zip code in the top-center portion of the items.

Authentic official checks display the words "My Bank!" above the bank's logo, name, city, state and zip code, and all are printed in black text in the top-center portion of the checks. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are printed in a box embedded in the top border. Authentic checks are blue and have ornate borders along the top and sides. A padlock symbol appears in the lower right.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic official 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:

Barbara A. Sweitzer
Security Officer
First United Bank & Trust
19 South Second Street
Oakland, Maryland 21550
Phone: (301) 533-2348
Fax: (301) 334-6180
E-mail: basweitzer@mybankfirstunited.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.

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)

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has been informed that Broad Way Bank, 5906 N. Broadway, Washington, DC 20026 USA (www.broadwaybk.com) is representing itself as a bank and is offering banking products and services to the general public via the Internet.

Broad Way Bank is not registered as a bank with the District of Columbia , and the listed address does not exist in that city. The Web site registration information lists an address in Independence, Missouri , as the contact location. The State of Missouri reports that there is no record of such a company being authorized or licensed to conduct the business of banking, nor has it been registered with the Secretary of State as a business entity. The entity is not insured by the FDIC.

Certain statements on the Web site, www.broadwaybk.com, refer to information that is for the legitimate Broadway Bank, located in Chicago, Illinois, which is an FDIC-insured financial institution and registered with the State of Illinois.

If you have any information about the Web site www.broadwaybk.com, or if you have contacted that site and provided any of the requested personal information by or through the site, please contact the OCC.

Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the OCC's attention may be forwarded to:

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

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

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Quantum National Bank, Suwanee, Georgia, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 061104893, which is assigned to Quantum National Bank. The items are reportedly part of a lottery scam. The counterfeit items are light blue in color with multiple-color woven threads throughout and a checkmark-patterned background. The counterfeit items display the bank's logo in blue and red ink in the upper-left corner. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the top center, and a security phrase is located along the top border. The counterfeit items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $3,862.56; include a date of "JUL 12, 2006;" and show the "Purchased by" name as either "C.M.F. Ser." or "C.C.F.T. Service."

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items contains the letterhead of "CONSUMERS CHOICE FINANCIAL TRUST & PAYMENT INC., PRIZE AND AWARD PRESENTATION INTERNATIONAL CLAIM DEPARTMENT, Sweepstakes and Internet Games Payment Verification Centre." The letters notify the recipients of their winning status and explain that the enclosed check was sent as a "prepayment to assist you with expediting the payment of the mandatory surcharge and processing fees." Recipients are instructed to contact the account agent immediately at 1 (866) 856-7036 in order to obtain authorization and further instructions.

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

Ronna Brown
Vice President of Operations
Quantum National Bank
505 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Phone: (770) 831-2624
Fax: (678) 889-4530
E-mail: rbrown@quantumbank.com

Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the OCC's attention may be forwarded to:

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

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

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Peoples Bank, National Association, Marietta, Ohio, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 044202505, which is assigned to Peoples Bank, National Association. The items are reportedly part of a lottery scam and are mailed from Canada . The counterfeit items are light blue in color with black lettering and include the following security statement at the top: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRITING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The bank's logo and name appear in the top-left portion of the counterfeit items. The following information is located in the top center: " MARIETTA, OHIO 45750 , OFFICES IN OH WV & KY." The counterfeit items presented to date have included a remitter name of "Prime Funding," have been payable in the amount of $2,800.00, contain check numbers beginning with "385" or "386," and have been dated either "6/25/06" or "7/3/06."

Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items contains the letterhead of "rime rust Corp, 20 York Mills Road, North York , Toronto , ON M2P 2C2 , 416-830-6758." This entity represents itself as a third-party processor that helps locate and educate lottery and sweepstakes winners about unclaimed prizes. Recipients are informed of their winning status and are instructed to contact their account manager at the telephone number provided. The letter further states that "the enclosed check should be used for service charges and all applicable fees."

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

Teresa Pyles
Security Officer
Peoples Bank, National Association
138 Putnam Street
Marietta, Ohio 45750
Phone: (740) 376-7136
Fax: (740) 376-7112
E-mail: tpyles@pebo.com

Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the OCC's attention may be forwarded to:

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

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

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Commercial Bank of Florida, Miami, Florida, 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 066010377, which is assigned to Commercial Bank of Florida, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks in appearance. The counterfeit items are light blue with dark blue borders, and they display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center below a security features statement. An image copied from the bank's Web site appears in the top-left corner above the bank's address and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. "Remitter:" is printed in the lower-left corner.

Authentic cashier's checks display the words "Cashier's Check" in the lower-left corner. The bank's logo and name appear in the top center. The bank's name is underlined and " MIAMI, FLORIDA " is printed below it. Authentic checks have a green herringbone pattern with black borders and print. A "NOTICE TO CUSTOMER" appears in the upper-left corner above a "REMITTER" field.

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 may be modified and that additional variations are possible.

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

Ralph E. Coman
Vice President
Commercial Bank of Florida
10899 SW Sunset Drive
Miami, Florida 33173
Phone: (305) 270-7167
Fax: (305) 274-2574
E-mail: rcoman@commercialbankfl.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.

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)

Merrill Lynch Trust Company, FSB, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing the institution's name are being circulated with an award claim letter from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The lottery address appears to be in New Brunswick, Canada.

Merrill Lynch Trust Company, FSB, issues checks solely for trust account distributions, and those checks bear the routing number 031100225. The trust company does not offer checking accounts to the public.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 044000804, which is assigned to JPMorgan Chase Bank in Michigan . Please note that this routing number is also used for legitimate checks issued in connection with Merrill Lynch's Cash Management Accounts (CMA Accounts) and these legitimate checks should continue to be honored as appropriate. The counterfeit items display a bank location in Somerset, New Jersey , and are purportedly drawn on a business account (ALC Financial Group Inc.) at Merrill Lynch Trust Company, FSB. 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 Clark
Compliance Officer
Merrill Lynch Trust Company, FSB
300 Merrill Lynch Drive, MSC 0303
Pennington, New Jersey 08534
Telephone: (609) 274-2089
Fax: (609) 274-0826-2739

To report this scam or any other scam based in or mailed from Canada , please contact Phonebusters, which is a joint partnership between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Phonebusters is interested in receiving copies of scam letters, particularly those involving Canadian mailing addresses or telephone numbers. Records relating to the payment of advance fees should also be forwarded to Phonebusters. This 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:

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.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous notifications from consumers of an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The "From" line of the e-mail displays the name "Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation" and the subject includes the phrase "IMPORTANT: Notification of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation."

The e-mail states that the FDIC received an application. It says, in part:

"…from your bank to ensure your Checking or Savings account against Fraud, phishing or Identity Theft. If u agree with the following, PLEASE ENROLL in the FDIC protection system."

The e-mail is fraudulent and was not sent by the FDIC. It is an attempt to obtain personal financial information from consumers. The e-mail requests that recipients click on a hyperlink that is provided, which directs the recipient to a "spoofed" Web page. The Web page appears to belong to the FDIC and requests information, such as: name, phone number, Social Security number, mother's maiden name, driver's license/issuing state, date of birth, e-mail address, postal address, credit/debit/ATM card number, card expiration date, card verification number, personal identification number (PIN), bank name, bank routing number, and bank account number.

Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mail and should NOT, under any circumstances, provide any personal financial information through this media.

The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission. Until this is achieved, consumers are asked to report any similar attempts to obtain this information to the FDIC by sending information to alert@fdic.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.