Special Alert: SLS00339

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 ...

Peoples State Bank, Lake City, Florida, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit personal money orders bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 063114425, which is assigned to Peoples State Bank. The counterfeit items are identical to authentic money orders in appearance; however, the counterfeit items are printed on a glossy paper stock similar to magazine paper stock. Authentic items are printed on bank check stock.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic personal money order (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:

Cyndra Schwab, Assistant Vice President
Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer
Peoples State Bank
350 SW Main Boulevard
Lake City, Florida 32056
Phone: (386) 754-0002
Fax: (386) 754-0919
E-mail: cschwab@psb.biz

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/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)

The Adirondack Trust Company, Saratoga Springs, New York, 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 display the routing number 021302884, which is assigned to The Adirondack Trust Company. The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in appearance and are shaded light pink on the left side with the color changing to light gray on the right side. The items have scrolled borders on the right and left sides, and the following notation appears below the signature line: "SIGNATURE AREA CONTAINS KNIGHT AND FINGERPRINT CHECK WORDING."

Authentic checks have a light green background and scrolled borders on the right, left and bottom sides. The following message is embedded in the top border: "THIS CHECK HAS A VOID FEATURE PANTOGRAPH & FACSIMILE WATERMARK ON BACK FOR SECURITY FEATURES."

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:

John J. Boyd
Chief of Security
The Adirondack Trust Company
473 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Phone: (518) 584-5844
Fax: (518) 584-1107

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/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)

First State Bank (also known as 1st State Bank), Saginaw, Michigan, 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 011007092, which is a payable-through account at Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company, Boston , Massachusetts . The counterfeit items display the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" in the upper-left side above the word "REMITTER." The items also have security feature descriptions embedded in the top border, and the words "Check No." are printed in the upper-right side above the "Check Date" and "Check Amount" boxes.

Authentic checks display the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" on the upper-right side, and security feature descriptions are printed below the top border. A remitter line is printed in the lower-left corner, and "DRAWER: 1ST STATE BANK" appears above the official signature line in the lower right 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:

Tara Franz, AAP
Deposit Services Manager
1st State Bank
4805 Towne Centre, Suite 100
Saginaw, Michigan 48603
Phone (989) 596-0832
Fax (989) 799-7648
E-mail: taraf@1stStatebk.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/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)

State Bank & Trust, Fargo, North Dakota, 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 sweepstakes scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 091310521, which is assigned to State Bank & Trust, but are dissimilar to authentic checks. On the counterfeit items, the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" and "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED: DETAILS ON BACK" are printed directly below the dollar amount line. The items also include the following statement embedded within the top border: "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER."

Authentic checks display the word "REMITTER" on the upper-left side. The following statement is embedded in the right border: "SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED: DETAILS ON BACK." The bank's name appears directly above the words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" on the lower-right side.

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:

Jim Martin
Security Officer
State Bank & Trust
3100 13th Avenue, South
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
Telephone: (701) 298-1607
Fax: (701) 451-7505
E-mail: jmartin@statebanks.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 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)

Alliant Bank, Madison, Missouri, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashiers checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 081506390, which is assigned to Alliant Bank. The items also display the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED OVER $5,000.00" above the signature lines on the lower-right side. Security feature descriptions are embedded in the top border and printed in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED OVER $500.00" in the lower right. The items also bear the following statement below the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A MICRO-PRINT SIGNATURE LINE, WATERMARK, AND A THERMOCHROMIC ICON, ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY." A padlock symbol and a security notice are displayed on the right side of the checks.

Copies of a counterfeit item and one of the authentic checks (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:

Don Crosby
Chief Operations Officer
Alliant Bank
P. O. Box 946
Kirksville, Missouri 63501-0946
Phone: (660) 665-3494, extension 216
Fax: (660) 665-3490
E-mail: don.crosby@alliantbank.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/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)

Gardiner Savings Institution, FSB, Gardiner, Maine, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit treasurer checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 211272465, which is assigned to Gardiner Savings Institution, FSB, and are similar to authentic items in appearance. However, the embossed dollar amounts on the counterfeit items are printed using red ink. Small lines in the background of the counterfeit items disappear when photocopied, and a watermark on the reverse side of the counterfeit items is printed on the paper in a light gray ink.

Authentic checks have embossed dollar amounts printed using black ink, and the watermark on the reverse side of authentic items is embedded within the paper stock.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic treasurer 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:

Frederick P. Cunningham
Senior Vice President, Compliance
Gardiner Savings Institution, FSB
4 University Drive
Augusta, Maine 04330
Phone (207) 582-5550, extension 6211
Fax (207) 623-7833
E-mail: fcunningham@gardinersavings.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/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)

First Heritage Bank, Snohomish, Washington, 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 125107875, which is assigned to First Heritage Bank. The items also display the words "OFFICIAL CHECK" at the top center. The bank's logo, name, and a Seattle , Washington , address are printed in the lower-left corner.

First Heritage Bank uses two different types of authentic checks. One version displays the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner, and another official check displays "Cashier's Check" in the top-right corner. Both versions display the bank's logo and name at the top center.

Copies of a counterfeit item and one of the authentic checks (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:

Kelly van Valey
Vice President/Retail Banking Officer
First Heritage Bank
167 Lincoln Avenue
P.O. Box 550
Snohomish, Washington 98291-0550
Phone: (360) 568-0536
Fax: (360) 568-0543
E-mail: customerservice@firstheritage.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. 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/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)

Hillcrest Bank Florida, Naples, 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 067016105, which is assigned to Hillcrest Bank Florida . The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks and display the bank's logo, the name "Hillcrest Bank," and address in the upper-left corner. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are printed in the top center, and security feature descriptions are embedded in the top border. The phrase "PAYABLE THROUGH FIRST INTERSTATE BANK HELENA, MT" is printed in the lower-left corner.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo, name, and address in the top center, and the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are printed in the lower left.

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:

Susan J. Grose
Vice President, Compliance/BSA Officer
Hillcrest Bank Florida
Pelican Bay Financial Center
8889 Pelican Bay Blvd., Suite 202
Naples, Florida 34108
Phone: (239) 254-2988
Fax: (239) 593-4827
E-mail: sgrose@hillcrestbankfl.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/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)

Lake Area Bank, Lindstrom, Minnesota, 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 091912521, which is assigned to Lake Area Bank. The items are dissimilar to the authentic checks and display the bank's name, address and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, in the upper-left corner. The counterfeit items are printed on marbled green paper and have security feature descriptions embedded in the top and bottom borders.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo, name and slogan in the top-left corner, and the bank's address at the top center. Authentic checks are blue, and the words "EXPENSE CHECK" or "INTEREST CHECK" appear above the signature line on the lower-right side.

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:

Chad Lindgren
Security Officer
Lake Area Bank
P.O. Box 743
Lindstrom, Minnesota 55045
Phone Number: (651) 464-9001
Fax Number: (651) 464-9006
E-mail: clindgren@lakeareabank.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/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)