Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name CerescoBank, Ceresco, Nebraska, are reportedly in circulation

CerescoBank, Ceresco, Nebraska, 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 104909201, which is assigned to CerescoBank. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items have ornate top and side borders with a square in each top corner and a circle in each lower corner. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are embedded within a rectangle in the top center with a security feature statement on each side. The bank's logo, name (repeated twice), location and a toll-free telephone number, not associated with the bank, appear in the top-left corner. The items also have a "Notice to Purchaser" statement located in the lower-left corner and one signature line.

Authentic checks are grey with black top and side borders, each containing a centered security feature statement. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are in the lower-left corner. The bank's logo, name, street address, P.O. Box, location and the telephone number (402) 665-3431 are in the top center. A heat-sensitive color circle appears in the lower-right corner. A signature restriction statement is shown above two 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:

Sharon Konecky
Vice President and Cashier
CerescoBank
130 West Elm
P.O. Box 36
Ceresco, Nebraska 68017
Telephone: (402) 665-3431
Fax: (402) 665-2390
E-mail: Sharon@cerescobank.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