Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Alton Bank, Alton, Missouri, are reportedly in circulation

Alton Bank, Alton, Missouri, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 081508602, which is assigned to Alton Bank. A security feature statement is embedded within a darkened top border and along the bottom border between two padlocks. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are top-centered. The bank's name and a logo appear in the top-left corner. The word "REMITTER" appears in the lower-left corner along with the bank's name, location and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. The items display one "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" line.

Authentic checks have a blue background and ornate borders. A padlock icon and security statement are embedded within the right border. The bank's name, logo and location are top- centered. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the lower-left corner. The statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED FOR CHECKS IN EXCESS OF $1,000.00" appears above two signature lines in the lower-right 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:

Anna M. Roberts
Assistant Cashier
Alton Bank
P.O. Box 6
Alton, Missouri 65606
Telephone: (417) 778-7211
Fax: (417) 778-6789
Email: altonbank@yahoo.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-3054, 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