Special Alert: SLS00322

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 ...

Lafayette Savings Bank, FSB, Lafayette, Indiana, 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 Canadian lottery scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 274971761, which is assigned to Lafayette Savings Bank, FSB, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion of the items. Some of the counterfeit items display "LAFAYETTE AMERICAN BANK" in a large font in the top-left corner, along with a mailing address and a toll-free telephone number, which are not associated with the bank. The following statement appears in the middle section of the counterfeit items: "MATCH THE AMOUNT IN WORDS WITH THE AMOUNT IN NUMBERS."

Authentic checks display "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the bottom-left corner. "Lafayette Savings Bank" is printed in a stair-step format centered at the top of the checks, directly adjacent to the bank's logo. The following statement appears below the dollar line on authentic checks: "A DECLARATION OF LOSS WILL BE REQUIRED TO REPLACE THIS INSTRUMENT. VOID AFTER 90 DAYS FROM DATE OF ISSUE."

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:

Kris Lowe
Assistant Vice President and Operations Manager
Lafayette Savings Bank, FSB
101 Main Street
Lafayette, Indiana 47902
Telephone: (765) 429-2862
Fax: (765) 742-1507
E-mail: kllowe@lsbank.com

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 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)

Rabobank, N.A., El Centro, California, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name and routing number (121139711) are in circulation. The counterfeit items are reportedly associated with a lottery scam and are accompanied by a letter from the "American Consumers Sweepstakes Lottery." Letters notify recipients of their winning status and instruct the recipients to contact an "agent" at 1-800-963-5144, extension 1, or 647-430-9696, extension 1. According to the correspondence, the check is included to pay the IRS non-resident fees.

The volume of these counterfeit items has increased along with the variation in the appearance of the items. Bank officials, therefore, are encouraged to contact Rabobank, N.A., to verify the authenticity of any cashier's checks bearing the name Rabobank, N.A., El Centro , California , that is being presented.

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

Patricia Martinez
Rabobank, N.A.
301 Main Street
Salinas, California 93901
Phone: (831) 422-6642

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

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW
Washington, DC20219

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.

Nara Bank, Los Angeles, California, 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 122041727, which is assigned to Nara Bank. The counterfeit items are similar to authentic checks, but have ornate borders on all sides.

Authentic checks display the following statement embedded within the top border: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINT." In addition, the following statement is embedded within the bottom border: "THE BACK OF THIS CHECK MUST CONTAIN AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK OR IS VOID."

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:

Jasna Penich
Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
Nara Bank
3701 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 301
Los Angeles, California 90010
Telephone: (213) 235-3009
Fax: (213) 235-3025
E-mail: JPenich@NaraBank.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)

Southern Bank and Trust Company, Mount Olive, North Carolina, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's routing number are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 053102586, which is assigned to Southern Bank and Trust Company. The counterfeit items also display "BANK FUND STAFF FEDERAL CREDIT UNION" and the phrase "Serving the Staffs and Families of The World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund, Washington, D.C." in the top-left corner.

Authentic cashier's checks have no association with the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, in the top-left corner, authentic cashier's checks display "Since 1901" and "SouthernBank" on two lines. Next to "1901" is the bank's authentic logo.

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

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

David Bean
Controller
Southern Bank and Trust Company
116 E. Main Street
Mt. Olive, North Carolina 28365
Telephone: (919) 658-7007
Fax: (919) 658-7087
E-mail: david.bean@southernbank.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.

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)

Horizon Bank, Bellingham, 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 are reportedly associated with a lottery scam based in Canada .

Presently, there are five versions of counterfeit items, each displaying the routing number 325170631, which is assigned to Horizon Bank. The colors and styles vary, but the common characteristics include an incorrect or incomplete bank address and security wording embedded within the top border. Since there are currently five known variations, please be aware that the common characteristics may be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

Authentic cashier's checks include the following security statement directly beneath the top border: "HOLD DOCUMENT UP TO LIGHT TO VIEW TRUE WATERMARK." Additionally, on the reverse side of authentic checks is the following watermark printed in large italicized font: "ORIGINAL DOCUMENT."

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

Donald A. Wolf
Security Officer
Horizon Bank
P. O. Box 32150
Bellingham, Washington 98228
Telephone: (360) 756-6311
Fax: (360) 756-6399
E-mail: don.wolf@horizonbank.com

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 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.