Counterfeit official checks bearing the name Synergy Federal Savings Bank, Cranford, New Jersey, are reportedly in circulation

New York Community Bancorp, Westbury, New York (parent company of New York Community Bank, formerly known as Synergy Bank), has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the institution's former name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 221278721, which is assigned to New York Community Bank. Synergy Bank does not issue official checks; however, it does issue cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the name "Synergy Federal Savings Bank"; authentic checks display "Synergy Bank." A security feature statement is embedded in the top border, and a padlock and security statement are embedded along the right border. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are top-centered. A line-columned box appears in the lower-left corner.

Authentic cashier's checks display a security feature statement within the top border. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the top portion. A conditional and restrictive statement is also shown above the signature lines.

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:

James Christopher
Assistant Treasurer
New York Community Bancorp (parent company of Synergy Bank)
615 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, New York 11590
Telephone: (516) 683-4180
Fax: (516) 683-8099
Email: James.Christopher@myNYCB.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. 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 www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2009/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. ThompsonDirector
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection