Alert 2005-25 | November 17, 2005

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of First National Bank USA, Boutte, LA

To

Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks; All State Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsel; and All Examining Personnel

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using the correct routing number of 065402517 are being presented for payment. These checks, along with fraudulent lottery claim letters signed by Barbara Harris, are being mailed from M.C.I.L.S., 32322 New Browns Road, Hamilton, ON G4T4Y7.

The counterfeit checks may be identified by the following: a pink-colored background with a white marbling effect. A burgundy-colored statement appears at the top that reads: “THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK.” The bank’s name appears in the top center of the check in bold capital letters followed by the city, state, and zip code. Note that the city name of Boutte is misspelled as “Boutie.” The remitter on all checks presented to date appear as either Adamo Karow or M.C.I.L.S., and the dollar amount of each item has been typed as $3,800.00.

Authentic cashier’s checks issued by the bank are green and pink in color. They contain a ribboned border and a Deluxe Check Printers hologram. The words “ORIGINAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT” are enclosed in a darkened oval at the top center portion of the check. Directly beneath this is the bank’s name in bold capital letters followed by the city, state, and zip code.

Both authentic and counterfeit checks include the term “CASHIER’S CHECK” in the bottom left portion of the instrument with the following statement located at the bottom left portion of the check: “NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS - THE PURCHASE OF AN INDEMNITY BOND WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE THIS CHECK WILL BE REPLACED OR REFUNDED IN THE EVENT IT IS LOST, MISPLACED OR STOLEN.”

Any questions regarding these items should be directed to Kurt J. Dempster, VP & Security Officer, at 13386 Highway 90, PO Box 508, Boutte, LA 70039, by telephone at (985) 785-8411, by fax at (985) 785-3913 or via email at [Kurtd@fnbusa.com].

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

Email:	occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
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
Internet:	https://www.occ.gov

Brian C. McCormally
Director for Enforcement & Compliance

Topic(s):

Counterfeit/Stolen Instruments