Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Community Bank of Galena, Illinois, are reportedly in circulation

First Community Bank of Galena (Illinois), a branch of Apple River State Bank, Apple River, Illinois, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with merchandise sales over the Internet.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 071108698, which is assigned to Galena State Bank & Trust Co., Galena, Illinois. Authentic cashier's checks display the proper routing number 071122247, which is assigned to Apple River State Bank. The counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center portion and the logo of First Community Bank of Galena in the upper-left corner. An address of "971 Gear Street," which is a branch location of Galena State Bank & Trust Co., is displayed in the lower-left corner, along with the telephone number "(815) 777-8800." This telephone number is First Community Bank of Galena's 24-hour banking service number. The statement "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS OF ISSUANCE" is located in the lower right above an "Authorized Signature" line.

Authentic cashier's checks display a logo in the upper-left corner, with "P.O. Box 6006, Galena, IL 61036" printed to the right of the logo. "CASHIER'S CHECK" is displayed in the lower-left 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:

David Wilmarth
Operations Officer
First Community Bank of Galena
A Branch of Apple River State Bank
P. O. Box 6006
Galena, Illinois 61036
Telephone: (815) 777-6300
Fax: (815) 777-6304
E-mail: davidw@galenalink.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-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Information 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/2006/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. ThompsonActing Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection