Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name The Talbot Bank, Easton, Maryland, are reportedly in circulation

The Talbot Bank of Easton, Easton, Maryland, 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 052100699, which is assigned to The Talbot Bank of Easton. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks and display dark ornate borders. The items also display the following security feature statements embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND HIGH RESOLUTION BORDER. THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are printed in the top center. The bank's name and address ("18-20 Dover St., Easton, MD 21501") appear in the top-left corner. A large rectangle above the written dollar amount contains four darkened rectangles containing the words "REFERENCE," "DATE," "CHECK NO." and "AMOUNT."

Authentic checks are blue and have a "VOID" background when copied. Embedded within the darkened top border are the following security feature statements: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND. THE BACK REFLECTS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK, HOLD AT 45° ANGLE TO VIEW." A security padlock icon is displayed in the lower-left corner. A Notice to Customers regarding an indemnity bond appears in the top center. "CASHIER'S CHECK" appears in the top-right corner. The bank's logo, name, "Established 1885," city, state and zip code are displayed in the top-left corner. The written dollar amount is printed inside a darkened rectangle in the middle portion of the check.

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:

Laura P. Heikes
Vice President and Chief Operation Officer
The Talbot Bank of Easton
18 East Dover Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Telephone: (410) 822-1400, Extension 8296
Fax: (410) 820-5257
E-mail: laura.heikes@talbot-bank.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