Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Bank of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, are reportedly in circulation

First Bank of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. First Bank of Jacksonville does not issue cashier's checks; however, it does issue official checks.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 063013597, which is assigned to First Bank of Jacksonville. The items have ornate borders and display the words "1ST BANK" and "24 HOUR BANKING" in the top-center area. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" and a "Notice to Purchaser" appear in the lower-left corner. One signature line appears in the lower-right corner.

Authentic official checks are light blue and white. The checks have top and side borders with security statements embedded within. The words "First Bank" and the bank's logo are displayed in the top center. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are displayed in the lower-left corner. Two signature lines appear in the lower-right corner under the restrictive feature statement "TWO SIGNATURES ARE REQUIRED FOR AMOUNTS OVER $2,500.00."

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:

Margaret O. Saoud
Vice President, Compliance and Bank Secrecy Act Officer
First Bank of Jacksonville
11100 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32223
Telephone: (904) 262-1849
Fax: (904) 262-5413
E-mail: msaoud@fboj.net

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/2010/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