Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Hyde Park Bank, Chicago, Illinois, are reportedly in circulation

Hyde Park Bank and Trust Company, Chicago, 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 counterfeit items display the routing number 071004022, which is assigned to Hyde Park Bank and Trust Company. The items are similar in appearance to authentic cashier's checks; however, the counterfeit items have rounded corners and display security statements within the top and bottom borders. The counterfeit items are green in color.

Authentic checks display the wording "ORIGINAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT" encapsulated in gold foil, which is centered and incorporated into the top border. The following security statement is printed below the written dollar amount line in a script font: "This document has a multi-color background, a micro-print signature line, and a holographic foil title; absence of these features will indicate a copy." Authentic checks also include a security padlock, which is incorporated into the right 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:

Ed Maci
Director of Security
Hyde Park Bank and Trust Company
1525 East 53rd Street
Chicago, Illinois 60615
Telephone: (773) 753-9624
Fax: (773) 753-9633
E-mail: emaci@hydeparkbank.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. 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/2007/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
Director
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection