Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Independent Bank, Russell, Minnesota, are reportedly in circulation

First Independent Bank, Russell, Minnesota, 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 mystery shopper scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 091209247, which is assigned to First Independent Bank. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. They display a "VOID" background when copied and have dark top and bottom borders. A security feature statement and padlock icon are centered in the bottom border. A heat sensor icon is centered above the bottom border. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are shown inside of a rectangle with rounded corners in the top-center area.

Authentic cashier's checks have a silver foil hologram strip showing the words "FOIL STRIP HOLOGRAM" repeated across the top. Authentic checks have graduated colors from left to right of peach to green. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are shown inside of a rectangle with scrolled top corners. A padlock icon and security feature statement appear on the right side above signature lines.

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:

Audie Sanderson
Cashier
First Independent Bank
P.O. Box 360
Russell, Minnesota 56169
Telephone: (507) 823-4391
Fax: (507) 823-4398
E-mail: asanderson@fibmn.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