Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Financial Security Bank, Kerkhoven, Minnesota, are reportedly in circulation

Financial Security Bank, Kerkhoven, 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 counterfeit items display the routing number 091905402, which is assigned to Financial Security Bank. Financial Security Bank does not issue cashier's checks; however, it does issue bank money orders. The counterfeit items are markedly dissimilar to authentic bank money orders. The items display a security feature statement centered within the top border and along the bottom border between two padlocks. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the top-left corner. Another padlock is shown on the written dollar amount line. A telephone number (866-471-8238), unassociated with the bank, is in the lower-left corner.

Authentic bank money orders display a foil strip hologram across the top. The words "BANK MONEY ORDER" are centered below inside a rectangle. A padlock and security feature statement appear following "dollars" on the right side. The security statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED FOR AMOUNTS MORE THAN $1000.00" is displayed above two signature lines. The bank's telephone number (320-264-2161) and e-mail address (www.financialsecuritybank.com) are in the lower-left corner.

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:

Deb Kneisl
Teller and Bookkeeper
Financial Security Bank
1011 Atlantic Avenue
P.O. Box 258
Kerkhoven, Minnesota 56252
Telephone: (320) 264-2161
Fax: (320) 264-1306
Website: www.financialsecuritybank.com

Alternate Contact:

Marlene Hauge
Assistant Cashier
Financial Security Bank
1011 Atlantic Avenue
P.O. Box 258
Kerkhoven, Minnesota 56252
Telephone: (320) 264-2161
Fax: (320) 264-1306
Website: www.financialsecuritybank.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/2009/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