Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Blackhawk Bank and Trust, Miland, Illinois, are reportedly in circulation

Blackhawk Bank and Trust, Milan, Illinois, 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 071123123, which is assigned to Blackhawk Bank and Trust. A security feature statement is embedded within ornate top and bottom borders. The bank's logo, address and location - misspelled as "MILAND, ILLINOIS" - and a toll-free telephone number, not associated with the bank, are top-centered.

Authentic checks are light yellow with a designed border, which is darkened. A security statement is displayed under the "DOLLARS" line. The bank's logo and location are top-centered.

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:

Brian Yaklich
Assistant to the Internal Auditor
Blackhawk Bank and Trust
107 1st Street
Colona, Illinois 61241
Telephone: (309) 792-3384, extension 1851
Fax: (309) 792-3466
E-mail: byaklich@choosethechief.com

Alternate Contact:

Gene McGonigle
Executive Vice President and Cashier
Blackhawk Bank and Trust
301 West 4th Street
P.O. Box 1100
Milan, Illinois 61264
Telephone: (309) 787-4451, extension 1060
Fax: (309) 787-7564
Email: gene@choosethechief.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