Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Patriot Bank, Houston, Texas, are reportedly in circulation

Patriot Bank, Houston, 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 display the routing number 113025150, which is assigned to Patriot Bank. The items are similar to authentic cashier's checks. However, the following security statement is embedded in a darkened top border with rounded corners: "FOR SECURITY PURPOSES THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BURGUNDY COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICRO PRINTING IN THE BORDER." A security statement also appears along the bottom border between two padlock icons. A toll-free telephone number (866-471-8240) that is not associated with the bank is shown below the bank's logo, name, city and state in the top center. Counterfeit items display the word "VOID" when copied.

Authentic cashier's checks are light green and have squared corners. A padlock icon and vertical security statement are centered along the right border.

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:

Shanta Eaden
Senior Operations Manager
Patriot Bank
7500 San Felipe, Suite 125
Houston, Texas 77063
Telephone: (713) 400-8888
Fax: (713) 400-8889
E-mail: seaden@patriotbankusa.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. ThompsonDirector
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection