Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name SouthernBank, Mount Olive, North Carolina, are reportedly in circulation

Southern Bank and Trust Company (SouthernBank), Mount Olive, North Carolina, 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 053102586, which is assigned to Southern Bank and Trust Company. The items are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display a background graduating in color from pink to blue and have blue borders. The following security feature statement is embedded in the top border: "THIS CHECK IS VOID WITHOUT A RED & BLUE BORDER AND BACKGROUND PLUS A KNIGHT & FINGERPRINT WATERMARK ON THE BACK – HOLD AT ANGLE TO VIEW." The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are shown in the top-right corner and an indemnity bond statement is displayed in the top-center portion. One signature line is shown.

Authentic checks display a background graduating in color from pink to gray and a perforated left side. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "PRINTED WITH A BURGUNDY AND GRAY BACKGROUND ON WHITE PAPER – THIS CHECK HAS A WATERMARK. HOLD UP TO LIGHT TO VIEW." The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are centered at the top with lines extending to the edge on each side. An indemnity bond statement is boxed and appears above "REMITTER" in the lower-left corner. Two signature lines are displayed.

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:

David A. Bean
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President
Southern Bank & Trust Company
P.O. Box 729
100 North Center Street
Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365
Telephone: (919) 658-7007
Fax: (919) 658-7087
E-mail: david.bean@southernbank.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