Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Independence Bank, Louisville, Kentucky, are reportedly in circulation
Independence Bank of Kentucky
Owensboro, KY
Steve Brandle
Steve1776bank@aol.com
Voice (270) 686-1776, extension 2023
Fax (270) 684-4681
Independence Bank of Kentucky, Owensboro, Kentucky, 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 lottery scam and are included with correspondence from the "European Lottery Foundation."
The counterfeit items display the routing number 083902756, which is assigned to Independence Bank of Kentucky. The following security statements are embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AUTHENTIC WATERMARK WHICH READS "ORIGINAL DOCUMENT". HOLD UP TO THE LIGHT TO VIEW INVISIBLE FLOURESCENT FIBERS." The bank's logo, name and a Louisville, KY, address are centered below the top border. The following security statements are printed below the "DOLLARS" line: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AUTHENTIC WATERMARK WHICH READS ORIGINIAL DOCUMENT AND INVISIBLE FLUORESCENT FIBERS. ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE COPY."
Authentic checks display the words "ORIGINAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT" encapsulated in gold foil and centered within the top border, which has a scroll design. The following security statements are printed below the "DOLLARS" line: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A MICRO-PRINT SIGNATURE LINE, WATERMARK, AND A THERMOCHROMIC ICON. ABSENCE OF THESE FEATURES WILL INDICATE A COPY." Authentic checks also include a security padlock symbol following the word "DOLLARS."
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:
Steve Brandle
Security Officer
Independence Bank of Kentucky
2425 Frederica Street
Owensboro, Kentucky 42301
Telephone: (270) 686-1776, extension 2023
Fax: (270) 684-4681
E-mail: Steve1776bank@aol.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