Here's an example of the FDIC's notice on Fraudulent Checks
SA-182-2009
October 16, 2009
TO: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)
SUBJECT: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Summary: Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Westfield Bank, Westfield Center, Ohio, are reportedly in circulation.
Westfield Bank, FSB, Westfield Center, Ohio, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. Westfield Bank does not issue cashier's checks; however, it does issue treasurer's checks.
The counterfeit items display the routing number 041272279, which is assigned to Westfield Bank, FSB. A security feature statement is embedded within a darkened top border. The words "Cashier's Check" are top-centered and the date appears directly below. The word "Remitter" appears in the lower-left corner. The word "Drawer" appears directly below the numerical dollar amount on the right side of the items.
Authentic checks display the bank's logo in the background with the words "Treasurer's Check" in the top center. A "Memo" line is displayed in the lower-left 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:
(I removed contact information)
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. Questions 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
FDIC: Special Alerts. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit
FDIC: Online Subscription Service - About FDIC Publications.
Sandra L. Thompson
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 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
FDIC: FIL-32-2006: Electronic Distribution to Become Primary Method.) 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)
