Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of TexStar Bank, Midland, Texas, a division of First National Bank of Monahans, Monahans, Texas

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 112322634 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with an up-front fee Internet scam.

While the counterfeit items closely resemble authentic items, the counterfeit checks can be identified by an incorrect account number of 941190 in the MICR line and a fictitious telephone number of 888-259-5785 in the upper left-hand corner. In addition, the counterfeit instruments do not contain watermarks as do the authentic checks.

Items presented to date have been made payable in the amounts of $4,900 and $8,000; have been dated August 25, 2006; and show purchaser names of Greg Prewit or Cynthia Roberts. The variation of the appearance of the items may continue to change. As such, bank officials are encouraged to contact TexStar Bank to verify the authenticity of the item that is being presented.

For additional information and guidance, please contact Felix Hettler, Senior Vice President/Controller, TexStar Bank, a division of First National Bank of Monahans, 600 N. Marienfeld, Midland, TX 79701, by telephone at (432) 570-9330, by fax at (432) 620-6555, or via email at [fhettler@texstarbank.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
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
Fax: (202) 874-5214
Internet: https://www.occ.gov

For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC's anti-fraud resource page.

/signed/

Richard C. Stearns
Director for Enforcement & Compliance