Special Alert: SLS00289

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Special Alert: SLS00289

Bulletin Document
V 1
Date: May 11, 2006
To: All Issuing Offices
RE: FDIC Special Alert Notices - SA-78-2006 through SA-88-2006

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 to the website address listed below:

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2006/index.html

If you suspect an attempt to defraud or a fraud should ever be perpetrated against any SISCO Family Underwriter and/or its agents, please report the activity immediately to:

Patty Hoesl
Claims & Litigation Paralegal
Stewart Legal Services
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
1980 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 710
Houston, Texas 77056
(800) 729-1902
(713) 629-2248 FAX
phoesl@stewart.com EMAIL

For on-line viewing of this bulletin, log onto http://specialalerts.stewart.com/

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


SA-78-2006
April 4, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia , are reportedly in circulation.

United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia, 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 011007092, which is a payable-through account issued by Travelers Express drawn on Boston Safe Deposit & Trust. Although similar to authentic checks in layout and design, the counterfeit items are referred to as "CASHIER'S CHECKS"; authentic checks are "OFFICIAL CHECKS." The following is printed across the top border of the counterfeit items in a solid blue background: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A GRADUATED BACKGROUND DARK TO LIGHT. THE REVERSE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." Authentic official checks display the following wording across the top of the item: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK. THE FRONT OF THE DOCUMENT HAS A MICROPRINT SIGNATURE LINE. ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY." A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Linda Ammerman
Corporate Security Administrator
United Community Banks, Inc.
63 Hwy 515
Blairsville, Georgia 30512
Telephone: (706) 745-2151, Ext. 2594
Fax: (706) 745-4865
E-mail: linda_ammerman@ucbi.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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)

 

Special Alerts


SA-79-2006
April 4, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Official Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit official checks drawn on Investors Savings Bank, Millburn, New Jersey branch, are reportedly in circulation.

Investors Savings Bank, Short Hills, New Jersey, 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 096016765, which is a payable-through account at U.S. Bank, National Association, St. Paul, Minnesota , and they are similar in appearance to authentic official checks. Across the top of the counterfeit items is displayed the following wording on one line: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK. THE FRONT OF THE DOCUMENT." Authentic official checks display the following statement on two lines across the top: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK. THE FRONT OF THE DOCUMENT HAS A MICROPRINT SIGNATURE LINE. ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY." 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:

Laura L. Wilcox
First Vice President
Investors Savings Bank
101 JFK Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Telephone: (973) 924-5110
Fax: (973) 376-1151
E-mail: LWilcox@isbnj.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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)

 

Special Alerts


SA-80-2006
April 4, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Official Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit official checks drawn on United Community Bank Tennessee, Lenoir City, Tennessee, are reportedly in circulation.

United Community Bank Tennessee, Lenoir City, Tennessee, 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 011007092, which is a payable-through account issued by Travelers Express drawn on Boston Safe Deposit & Trust. The counterfeit items are very similar in appearance to authentic official checks. A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Linda Ammerman
Corporate Security Administrator
United Community Banks, Inc.
63 Hwy 515
Blairsville, Georgia 30512
Telephone: (706) 745-2151, Ext. 2594
Fax: (706) 745-4865
E-mail: linda_ammerman@ucbi.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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)

 

Special Alerts


SA-81-2006
April 10, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Delivery of Special Alerts
Electronic Distribution to Become Primary Method

Summary:

On June 1, 2006, the FDIC will begin using the electronic delivery of Special Alerts – through its free secure Web site, FDICconnect – as its primary method of distribution to insured financial institutions.

Beginning on June 1, 2006, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will use electronic delivery – through FDICconnect, its free secure Web site – as its primary method for distributing Special Alerts (SAs) to insured financial institutions. FDICconnect provides a number of benefits, including:

  • An immediate e-mail notification that an SA has been issued. There is no need for routine manual checks of FDICconnect to determine whether a new SA has been issued.
  • The immediate availability of the SA. Through the traditional mail system, receipt of the paper copy typically takes a week or longer.
  • Secure transmission of the SA attachments, which are often confidential, such as electronic copies of fraudulent and genuine instruments.
  • The availability for multiple registrants from the same institution to receive SAs.

Approximately 45 percent of insured institutions already subscribe to receive SAs through FDICconnect. Those institutions that are not yet registered are encouraged to do so immediately using the instructions contained in FDIC FIL-32-2006. In addition, FIL-32-2006 provides more details about the change from paper-copy distribution to electronic delivery as the primary method of distributing SAs.

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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

Distribution: FDIC-Insured Institutions

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information (1-877-275-3342).

 

Special Alerts


SA-82-2006
April 10, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Official Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit official checks drawn on HomeStreet Bank, Seattle, Washington , are reportedly in circulation.

HomeStreet Bank, Seattle, 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 122037171, which is assigned to an account that Integrated Payments Systems, Inc., Englewood , Colorado , has at Wells Fargo Bank, Ltd., Los Angeles , California . HomeStreet Bank issues official checks through Integrated Payment Systems, Inc. The counterfeit items also display a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, in the upper-left corner just below the bank's logo, name and address. The counterfeit items are light blue, and the notation "RE" appears in the lower-left corner to the left of the reference line. Authentic checks are light green and the word "Memo" is printed in the lower-left corner below the memo line. A copy of a counterfeit item and a copy of an authentic official check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Carrie Brume
Corporate Security Officer
Telephone: (206) 389-7734
e-mail: carrie.brume@homestreet.com

or

Valorie Sheehy
Fraud Investigator
Telephone: (206) 587-5004
HomeStreet Bank
601 Union Street, Suite 2000
Seattle, WA 98101
Fax: (206) 621-2557

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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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

 

Special Alerts


SA-83-2006
April 11, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on Oak Valley Bank, Austin, Texas , are reportedly in circulation.

Oak Valley Community Bank, Oakdale, California, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing a variation of the institution 's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 121142119, which is assigned to Oak Valley Community Bank, but are not similar to authentic checks in appearance. The counterfeit items display the wording "CASHIER'S CHECK" along the left border and include a logo of a "1" superimposed on top of a map of the United States , encircled in a globe. The wording "TO THE ORDER OF" appears in the lower-left corner of the counterfeit items.

Authentic cashier's checks display the bank's oak tree logo, name and address in the top center and "Cashier's Check" in the lower-left corner. Authentic items are tan and have a metallic holograph border with oak leaf designs across the top. Diamond-shaped watermarks appear on the reverse side. Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Janice Power
Senior Vice President Risk Management Officer
Oak Valley Community Bank
P.O. Box 98
Oakdale, CA 95361
Telephone: (209) 844-7524
Fax: (209) 844-7524
E-mail: jpowers@ovcb.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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)

 

Special Alerts


SA-84-2006
April 11, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on Community Bank of the Midwest, Great Bend, Kansas, are reportedly in circulation.

Community Bank of the Midwest, Great Bend, Kansas, 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 122203471, which is assigned to Community Bank, Pasadena, California. The routing number assigned to Community Bank of the Midwest, Great Bend, Kansas, is 101107860. The counterfeit items are very similar to authentic cashier's checks, with the primary difference being the use of an incorrect routing number. 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:

Billie Kuhlman
Compliance Administrator
Community Bank of the Midwest
2220 Broadway
Great Bend, Kansas
Telephone: (620) 792-5111
Fax: (620) 792-5168
Website: www.communitybankmidwest.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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)

 

Special Alerts


SA-85-2006
April 11, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on Key Bank and Trust, Owings Mills, Maryland , are reportedly in circulation.

K Bank, Randallstown, Maryland, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit checks bearing a similar name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 255072427, which is assigned to K Bank, but are dissimilar to authentic checks in appearance. The counterfeit items display the following wording on four lines on the top left side: "OFFICIAL DOCUMENT, OFFICIAL CASHIER CHECK, FOR CASH ONLY, CROWNSVILLE, MD 21032." "Key Bank & Trust, Owings Mills, MD 21117-3533" is printed on two lines in the top center.

Authentic cashier's checks have a blue background and display the "K BANK" logo and "Owings Mills, MD" on two lines in the upper- left corner. "FDIC INSURED" appears in the top center, and "CASHIERS CHECK" is printed in the middle of authentic cashier's checks. Security feature statements appear in the top and bottom borders. Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review.

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

Mary C. Baus
Vice President and Compliance Officer
Telephone: (410) 654-2708
E-mail: mbaus@kbank.net

or

Judy Frank
Vice President of Branch Administration
K Bank
11407 Cronhill Drive
Suite N
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Fax: (443) 394-6340
Telephone: (410) 363-7050
E-mail: jfrank@kbank.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/2006/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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

 

Special Alerts


SA-86-2006
April 11, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Official Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit official checks drawn on Unity National Bank, Cartersville, Georgia , are reportedly in circulation.

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

The counterfeit items display the routing number 0611196000; however, the routing number assigned to Unity National Bank is 061119600. Note that one extra "0" appears in the routing number of the counterfeit items. The counterfeit items are included with a letter notifying the recipient that he or she is a winner of the "Australia Sweepstake Lottery/International Programme" or "Sweepstakes Lottery/International Program."

The counterfeit items display the bank's name in the top-center portion of the item and " Cartersville GA 30120 " on the following line. The following statement is printed in royal blue across the top border of the item: "THE FACE OF THIS CHECK IS PRINTED BLUE–THE BACK CONTAINS A SIMULATED WATERMARK." An incorrect fractional routing number of "84-080/611" appears to the right of the date. A security lock feature is displayed in the bottom right area of the item.

Authentic official checks are printed on blue check stock. The bank's name, address and telephone number are located in the top-center portion of the check, printed on five lines. The dedicated areas to complete for remitter – date, pay to the order of, amount, and authorized signature – are underscored. The section indicating the numeric dollar amount is enclosed in a rectangular box.

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

Hazel Temples
Security Officer
Unity National Bank
950 Joe Frank Harris Parkway SE
Cartersville, Georgia 30121
Telephone: (770) 387-3019
Fax: (678) 721-4419
E-mail: htemples@unitynationalbank.com

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

Mail:

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

 

Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10
250 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219

Fax:

(202) 874-5301

E-mail:

occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov

Internet:

http://www.occ.treas.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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


SA-87-2006
April 12, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Fraudulent Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Fraudulent cashier's checks drawn on Monson Savings Bank, Monson, Massachusetts , are reportedly in circulation.

Monson Savings Bank, Monson, Massachusetts, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that fraudulent cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The fraudulent items display the routing number 211871219, which is assigned to Monson Savings Bank; however, Monson Savings Bank does not issue cashier's checks. The fraudulent items also bear the bank's logo and name in the upper-left corner above the words "Cashier's Check." The bank's name, a branch address and a telephone number, not associated with the bank, are printed in the top-center portion. A statement describing security features, including a reference to a watermark, is printed in the top border. 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:

Karen M. Cartier
Fraud Supervisor
Monson Savings Bank
146 Main Street
Monson, MA 01057
Telephone: (413) 267-1212
Fax: (413) 267-3705
E-mail: kcartier@monsonsavings.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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)

 

Special Alerts


SA-88-2006
April 12, 2006

 

TO:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)

SUBJECT:

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks

Summary:

Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on California Oaks State Bank, Thousand Oaks, California, are reportedly in circulation.

California Oaks State Bank, Thousand Oaks, California, 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 122242681, which is assigned to California Oaks State Bank. The counterfeit items do not display a logo or the bank's mailing address. The items display the wording "MATCH THE AMOUNT IN WORDS WITH THE AMOUNT IN NUMBERS" on a line between the dollar amount and the signature line. A bar code is displayed above the left side of the signature line. Also, "Cashier's Check" is repeated on the top center and bottom center of the item.

Authentic cashier's checks display a logo of an oak tree adjacent to the bank's name, address and toll-free telephone number in the top-left corner of the check. Also, "Cashier's Check," which is displayed in the top-center portion of the check, is not repeated on the bottom of the 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:

Catherine Giuffre
Vice President- Operations Manager
California Oaks State Bank
50 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, California 91360
Telephone: (805) 496-6774
Fax: (805) 496-0014
E-mail: catherineg@caloaks.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.

 

Sandra L. Thompson

 

Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection

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 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


References

Bulletins Replaced:
  • None
Related Bulletins:
Underwriting Manual:
  • None
Exceptions Manual:
  • None
Forms:
  • None