Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Benchmark Community Bank, Kenbridge, Virginia, are reportedly in circulation

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

The counterfeit items display the routing number 011007092, which is assigned to The Bank of New York Mellon, Everett, Massachusetts. Benchmark Community Bank issues its money orders through Money Gram Payment Systems, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota, using an account at The Bank of New York Mellon.

There are two similar versions of the counterfeit items. Both counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center area and the check amount, date and number in the top-right corner. An "ISSUED BY" and "DRAWEE" statement also appears in the top-right corner. The word "Remitter" appears under the payee section in the left side of the items.

Authentic official checks have two single lines as borders on all sides. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are displayed in the top-right corner. An "ISSUED BY" and "DRAWEE" statement is in the top center. Lines for the "NAME OF REMITTER" and the "ADDRESS" appear in the lower-left corner.

Copies of the counterfeit items 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:

Nicole Martin
Customer Relations and Compliance Officer
Benchmark Community Bank
100 South Broad Street
P.O. Box 569
Kenbridge, Virginia 23944
Telephone: (434) 676-9054
Fax: (434) 676-2703
E-mail: nicole.martin@bcbonline.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/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 Protectione