Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Texas Bank, Georgetown, Texas, are reportedly in circulation

First Texas Bank, Georgetown, Texas, 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 mystery shopper scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 114903103, which is assigned to First Texas Bank, and are similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, the counterfeit items are green with a red star and blue number one in the bank's logo. The following security feature statement is embedded within the top border: "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A COLORED BORDER AND BACKGROUND PLUS A KNIGHT & FINGERPRINT WATERMARK ON THE BACK - HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW." One signature line, the statement "SIGNATURE AREA CONTAINS A KNIGHT & FINGERPRINT CHECK WORDING" and an erroneous U.S. Patent Number are displayed in the lower-right corner.

Authentic cashier's checks are blue with black print and have ornate borders. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear inside a rectangle with outward arrows on each end. The following statements are embedded within a curved top border: "Front of the document features color background inside this high resolution border and a white band outside of border. Back of document has grey printing on a white background. 'Security Document' is micro-printed in bottom border and Authorized Signature is in quotes in signature line." Authentic checks display a padlock icon and security statement on the right side. Two signature lines are shown in the lower-right 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:

Lauri Tulloch
Vice President
First Texas Bank
P.O. Box 649
Georgetown, Texas 78627
Telephone: (512) 863-2567
Fax: (512) 869-2387
E-mail: lauri@firsttexas-gtwn.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