Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Alta Alliance Bank, Oakland, California, are reportedly in circulation

Alta Alliance Bank, Oakland, 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 items are reportedly associated with a fraudulent mystery shopper employment scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 121144463, which is assigned to Alta Alliance Bank. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display security feature statements within the top and bottom borders. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are centered in the top portion above an indemnity bond statement. The bank's name (repeated), the statement "Payable at Alta Alliance Bank, Oakland, CA," and a toll-free telephone number, which is not associated with the bank ("1-877-446-3112"), appear below the bank's logo and name in the top-left corner. "Operator I.D." and "Office AU#" are displayed in the top-right corner.

Authentic cashier's checks display ornate borders. The bank's address and telephone number, (510) 899-7500, appear to the right of the bank's logo and name in the top-left corner. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear on the right side below "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:

Sedrick A. Tydus
Chief Operating Officer
Alta Alliance Bank
1951 Webster Street
Oakland, California 94612
Telephone: (510) 899-7518
Fax: (510) 832-4093
E-mail: stydus@altaalliancebank.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