Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, Arkansas, are reportedly in circulation

Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, Arkansas, 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 are reportedly associated with a sweepstakes scam. Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit items contains the letterhead of "International Lottery Sweepstakes, 2240 W. Sahara Avenue, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89108." The letter alerts recipients of their winning status and provides instructions to contact their agent.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 082907273, which is assigned to Bank of the Ozarks, and are similar to authentic checks in appearance. However, the counterfeit items are printed on check stock with blue and white marbling in the background. The items also have a dark-colored top border with the following security statement embedded: "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A BLUE BACKGROUND AND AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK ON THE BACK. HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW."

Authentic cashier's checks are printed on light blue security paper and display the word "REMITTER" in the top-left corner. The checks do not have a security statement embedded in the top border.

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:

Ashley Anhalt
Security Officer
Bank of the Ozarks
12615 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
Telephone: (501) 978-2245
Fax: (501) 978-2340
E-mail: aanhalt1@bankozarks.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. 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. Thompson
Acting Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection