Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name American Bank, Allentown, Pennsylvania, are reportedly in circulation

American Bank, Allentown, Pennsylvania, 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 031302997, which is assigned to American Bank. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic treasurer checks and display the security feature statements "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK" embedded in the top border. Counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center area. The bank's internet logo (waving flag icon) and name are shown in the top-left corner. The items also display the words "DRAWER" and "REMITTER."

American Bank does not issue cashier's checks; however, it does issue treasurer checks. Authentic treasurer checks are yellow in color and display the words "TREASURER CHECK" top centered. The bank's name is shown in the top-left corner and "Memo" in the lower-left corner. A rectangle contains the numerical dollar amount on the right side. The phrase "VOID IF NOT PRESENTED WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF ISSUE" is printed below the written dollar amount line and "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:

Mary Ann Husack
American Bank
4029 West Tilghman Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
Telephone: (610) 973-8133
Fax: (610) 366-1900
E-mail: mhusack@pcbanker.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/2008/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
DirectorDivision of Supervision and Consumer Protection