Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name First Nations Bank, Chicago, Illinois, are reportedly in circulation

First Nations Bank, Chicago, 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 07192430, which is assigned to First Nations Bank. A security feature statement is embedded in a darkened top border and a "NOTICE TO PURCHASER" statement appears in the top-left corner. A "For or Purchaser" box appears below the notice. Two signature lines are displayed in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks are mint green with foil guards on the left and right borders. An indemnity bond statement appears in the top-left corner and a security feature statement in an italic handwritten font appears above the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" toward the middle of the check. The bank's telephone number appears below the bank's name and location in the top-center of the check. One "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" line is displayed in the lower-right 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:

Paula Pandocchi
Assistant Vice President
First Nations Bank
7757 West Devon Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60631
Telephone: (773) 594-5900
Fax: (773) 594-0600
E-mail: paula.pandocchi@fnbwbank.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