Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Merrimac Savings Bank, Merrimac, Massachusetts, are reportedly in circulation

Merrimac Savings Bank, Merrimac, Massachusetts, 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 211374062, which is assigned to Merrimac Savings Bank. However, Merrimac Savings Bank does not issue cashier's checks. Instead, the bank issues treasurer's checks.

Counterfeit items are markedly dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center, below an ornate top border. The bank's name and address appear in the top-left corner. The bank's name is repeated above the signature line in the lower-right corner and a "REMITTER" line is displayed in the lower-left corner of counterfeit items.

Authentic checks are light burgundy and display the words "TREASURER'S CHECK" in the top- center portion. The bank's name and slogan "Traditions of the past, services of the future..." appear in the top-left corner. "PAYABLE THROUGH MERRIMAC SAVINGS BANK, MERRIMAC, MA 01860" is printed below a "MEMO" line in the lower-left corner of authentic checks.

Copies of the 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:

Judy Denno
Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer
Merrimac Savings Bank
One West Main Street
Merrimac, Massachusetts 01860
Telephone: (978) 346-8661, extension 2213
Fax: (978) 346-7155
E-mail: jed@merrimacbank.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. 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