Counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Cherokee Bank, Canton, Georgia, are reportedly in circulation

Cherokee Bank, National Association, Canton, Georgia, 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 061119736, which is assigned to Cherokee Bank, National Association. Cherokee Bank, National Association does not issue cashier's checks; however, it does issue official checks. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic official checks. A security statement is embedded in a darkened top border and along the bottom border between two padlocks. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are top-centered. A toll-free telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, appears below the bank's name and location in the top-left corner.

Authentic official checks display the routing number 011007092, which is a payable-through account at The Bank of New York Mellon, Everett, Massachusetts. Authentic checks are blue with an ornate border and display a "VOID" background when copied. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" appear in the top-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:

Marsha Fowler
Client Services Manager
Cherokee Bank, National Association
1275 Riverstone Parkway
Canton, Georgia 30114
Telephone: (770) 479-3402, Extension 110
Fax: (770) 720-6923
E-mail: marshafowler@cherokeebank.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-3054, 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