Special Alert: SLS00323

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 ...

Hillcrest Bank, Overland Park, Kansas, 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 scam and are included with a letter from "Celebration Lotto Management Inc, St. Thomas , Virgin Islands ." The letter informs the recipient of the "Award Claim Final Notification" and instructs the recipient to deposit the enclosed check "into your bank account immediately to pay for your processing fees and international taxes...." The recipient is also instructed to contact the claim agent at "1-902-412-3169."

The counterfeit items display the routing number 101002949, which is assigned to Hillcrest Bank, and are very similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, authentic checks display the bank's telephone number next to the mailing address in the top-center portion and a dollar sign ("$") in front of the numerically printed dollar amount. In addition, authentic checks display a lock symbol on the right edge of the check; the counterfeit items display a lock symbol to the right of the signature line.

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:

Randy Baker
Chief Operating Officer and Cashier
Hillcrest Bank
11111 West 95th Street
Overland Park, Kansas 66214
Telephone: (913) 324-6125
Fax: (913) 492-2775
E-mail: RBaker@hillcrestbank.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)

Delaware National Bank, Georgetown, Delaware, 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 correspondence from "Consumer Capital Alliance and Payment Services." The correspondence purportedly informs the recipient of an "Award Claim Notification" or "Funds for Payment of Processing Fees" and is originating in Canada . To date, letters display telephone numbers with area codes 289 and 705, and a toll-free telephone number.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 031100461, which is assigned to Delaware National Bank. However, Delaware National Bank issues cashier's checks through an account at BB&T, and those checks reflect the routing number 051900353.

The counterfeit items display "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center, with the bank's name displayed inside of an oval-shaped logo located near the top-left corner. The bank's name, mailing address and a toll-free telephone number are displayed in the bottom-left corner. The address is a former branch location and the telephone number is not associated with the bank. The following security wording is embedded in the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING SECURITY FEATURES, WATERMARK PAPER AND MICROPRINTING ON BORDER."

Authentic checks display the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left portion, with the bank's name and logo displayed in the top center. The following security statement is displayed just below the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK. THE FRONT OF THE DOCUMENT HAS A MICRO-PRINT SIGNATURE LINE. ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY."

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:

Kathy Littleton
Vice President & Security Officer
Delaware National Bank
P.O. Box 520
Georgetown, Delaware 19947
Telephone: (302) 855-2424
Fax: (302) 855-2492
E-mail: klittleton@delawarenational.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)

ViewPoint Bank, Plano, 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 are reportedly associated with a lottery scam and included with correspondence from Heritage Trust, Wheatley , Ontario . The notification states that the recipient has unclaimed prize money and includes a check to cover processing charges. The notification letter reflects two telephone numbers with the 519 area code.

The counterfeit items include the routing number 022000868, which is assigned to Citibank- New York State . ViewPoint Bank issues official checks through an Integrated Payment Systems, Inc. account held at Citibank. The counterfeit items display "Cashiers Check" in the top-center portion and the bank's name, mailing address and a toll-free telephone number in the top-left corner of the item. However, the telephone number is not associated with the bank. The word "Pay" is located on the left side below the address and above the wording "PAY TO THE ORDER OF." The following security wording is printed vertically and embedded within the right border of the items: "Security features included. Details on back."

Authentic checks are referred to as official checks and have a patterned border around the top, right and left sides. Security wording is printed directly beneath the top border. In addition, authentic checks display the bank's mailing address, telephone number (972-578-5000) and Web address (www.viewpointbank.com) in the top-left corner of the check. A lock symbol appears inside the right border of the check.

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.

To verify the authenticity of ViewPoint checks, please contact Integrated Payment Systems at (800) 223-7520. Additionally, any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Jennifer Kent
Fraud and Security Manager
ViewPoint Bank
1309 W. 15th Street
Plano, Texas 75075
Telephone: (972) 509-2003
Fax: (972) 467-1006
E-mail: Jennifer.kent@viewpointbank.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)

St. Mary's Bank, Manchester, New Hampshire, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit treasurer's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The counterfeit items are reportedly associated with overpayment scams originating via the Internet.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 011400149, which is assigned to St. Mary's Bank, and are quite similar to authentic treasurer's checks. However, the counterfeit items display the word "Exeactly," rather than "Exactly," on the face of the check.

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:

Shirley Bhutto
Risk/Security Specialist
St. Mary's Bank
P.O. Box 990
Manchester, New Hampshire 03105
Telephone: (603) 629-1371
Fax: (603) 629-1335
E-mail: sbhutto@stmarysbank.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)

Androscoggin Savings Bank, Lewiston, Maine, 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 211272520, which is assigned to Androscoggin Savings Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the bank's name, street address, city, state and zip code in the top-left corner and at the top-center portion of the item. The words "Cashier's Check" appear below that information in the top center.

Authentic checks display "TREASURER'S CHECK" centered below the top border. The checks also display the bank's name and logo in the top-left corner, followed by "Lewiston , Maine ."

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:

Rhonda Roy
Security Officer
Androscoggin Savings Bank
P.O. Box 1407
Lewiston, Maine 04243
Telephone: (207) 376-3508
Fax: (207) 376-3555
E-mail: rroy@androscogginbank.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)