Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Fremont Bank, Fremont, California, are reportedly in circulation

Fremont Bank, Fremont, 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 121107882, which is assigned to Fremont Bank. The items are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks and display a scalloped border across the top and along the sides. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are shown inside a rectangle centered within the top border. A circle is displayed in the top-right corner with "RUB HERE" printed twice above it. A logo and the bank's name and address appear in the lower-left corner. A security padlock icon and the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED FOR OVER $5,000.00" are printed above two signature lines on the right side. "Remitter" is printed in the top-left corner.

Authentic checks display "CASHIER'S CHECK" centered at the top, below the border. The bank's logo, name, Web site address and telephone number appear in the top-left corner. A "Notice to Purchaser" regarding an indemnity bond is shown in the lower-left corner. "NO.," "DATE," "PREPARER" and a security padlock icon and statement are printed in the top-right corner. Authentic checks have one signature line and display the word "PURCHASER" in the upper-left corner.

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:

Mark Spillner
Director of Security
Fremont Bank
39150 Fremont Boulevard
Fremont, California 94538
Telephone: (510) 723-5678
Fax: (510) 259-4649
E-mail: Security@fremontbank.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