Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Ozaukee Bank, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, are reportedly in circulation

Ozaukee Bank, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, 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 reportedly are associated with a lottery sweepstakes scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 075912233, which is assigned to Ozaukee Bank. There are at least two versions of the counterfeit checks in circulation; both are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks.

Version 1: The counterfeit items are reddish in color and have ornate borders on the top and sides. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are in a rectangle centered within the top border. The bank's logo, name (with a capital "O"), an incorrect Post Office Box ("33"), location, the phrase "24 Hrs Bankipg (misspelled)" and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, appear in the top-left corner. The word "MEMO" appears in the lower-left corner.

Version 2: The counterfeit items are blue and white with rounded corners. They display a security feature statement in a darkened top border.

Authentic checks are light green with wide-band top and bottom borders. A padlock icon is printed between two vertical security feature statements on the right side.

Copies of two counterfeit items 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:

Kathy Gessner
Bank Secrecy Act, Compliance and Security Officer
Ozaukee Bank
P.O. Box 3
Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012
Telephone: (262) 377-9100, extension 5380
Fax: (262) 377-8488
E-mail: Gessner@ozaukeebank.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
Director