Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Placer Sierra Bank, Auburn, California, are reportedly in circulation

Placer Sierra Bank, Auburn, California, 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 321170020, which is assigned to Placer Sierra Bank, and are similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, the counterfeit items display the word "Remitter" directly beneath the logo on the left side. In addition, the following security statement is embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK."

Authentic checks have the following security statement embedded within the top border: "DO NOT CASH UNLESS YOU CAN VERIFY ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES." In addition, the following security statement is embedded within the bottom border: "AUTHENTICITY INFORMATION ON REVERSE."

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:

Diana Strade
Senior Vice President
Placer Sierra Bank
949 Lincoln Way
Auburn, California 95603
Telephone: 530 888-1662
Fax: 530 887-5470
E-mail: straded@placersierrabank.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