Alerts & Counterfeits Chart 1st - A

Print Friendly! Email This Article! Discuss NOW!


This is a Quick Reference Guide to missing, stolen, fictitious, and altered official checks, cashier?s checks, money orders, and similar items. The data is organized alphabetically by name of institution and reflects alerts issued since 2001. To see alerts in chronological order, click here.

1st - A | B | C | D - E | F | G - H | I - J | K - L | M | N | O

P - Q | R | S | T | U - V | W - XYZ
Institution Name Type of Item
Date of Alert Details 1st American State Bank of Minnesota,
Hancock, MN

Contact:
Warren J. Smith
Telephone: (320) 392-5278
Fax: (320) 392-5330

Counterfeit Checks


SA-3-2009
January 5, 2009
The counterfeit items display the routing number 091001322, which is assigned to United Banker's Bank, Bloomington, Minnesota. There are two different versions of counterfeit items. The first version displays the Statue of Liberty on the right half of the check. The bank's name is shown as "1st American State Bank of Minne" above a mailing address in the top-left corner. The name "United Bankers Bank" and an address are shown to the right of the torch. The second version shows the bank's name as "1st American State Bank of Minnesot" and a mailing address in the top-left corner. "United Bankers Bank" and its mailing address are shown above the "Memo" line in the lower-left corner. Authentic checks display the routing number 091205102 and are referred to as BANK MONEY ORDERS, which is printed in the top-center area. The bank's name is displayed beneath "BANK MONEY ORDER" in the top-center portion of the check. 1st Bank & Trust,
Sioux Falls, SD

Contact:
Shayn Damm
Telephone: (605) 978-9323
Fax: (605) 978-9327

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-33-2010
March 22, 2010
The counterfeit items display the routing number 091400606, which is assigned to First Bank & Trust. The items are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks and are blue in color. A security feature statement is centered within the top and bottom borders. Authentic cashier's checks are light green with a weave-patterned background and ornate borders. A security feature statement is centered below the top border. 1st Bank Yuma,
Yuma, AZ

Contact:
John J. Marino
Telephone: (928) 783-3334
Fax: (928) 344-2132

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-170-2007
July 2, 2007
The counterfeit items are associated with a lottery scam and included with correspondence from "Heritage Lottery Fund, 28 Vincent Close, Westminster, London, SW1 0BT, United Kingdom." The counterfeit items display the routing number 122105906, which is assigned to 1st Bank Yuma, but are dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" inside a rectangle in the top center. The bank's name is printed twice in the upper-left corner. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A GRADUATED BACKGROUND, DARK TO LIGHT. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The date and dollar amount are displayed inside of rectangles on the right side. "DRAWER:" appears in the lower-left corner.

Authentic checks display the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the lower-left corner. The word "REMITTER" is printed below the bank's logo, name and address in the upper-left corner. The following security statement is embedded within the top border: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICRO-PRINT SIGNATURE LINE. THE BACK CONTAINS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK- HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW." 1st Constitution Bank,
Cranbury, New Jersey

Contact:
Charles Caruso
Telephone: (609) 655-4500
Fax: (609) 655-5653

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-154-2006
May 25, 2006
The counterfeit items include the routing number 211170295, which is not assigned to 1st Constitution Bank. Counterfeit items display the bank's logo consisting of a large "1st" directly to the left of the words "Constitution Bank" in the top-left corner of the item. Below the logo are the words "CASHIER'S CHECK." The bank's name (with the 1st spelled out as "First"), city and state and a toll-free telephone number not associated with the bank are printed in the top-center portion of the counterfeit items.

Authentic checks display the words "TREASURER'S CHECK" in the bottom-left portion of the check. Authentic checks include the bank's name, address, city, state and zip code in the top-center portion. Authentic checks display the following security statement below the top border: "WHEN HELD TO LIGHT, IF CIRCULAR WATERMARKS ARE NOT PRESENT, DO NOT CASH. SEE BACK FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY FEATURES." In addition, a notice regarding the purchase of a surety bond is in the top-left corner. 1st Constitution Bank,
Cranbury, New Jersey

Contact:
Charles Caruso
Telephone: (609) 655-4500
Fax: (609) 655-5653
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-17-2006
January 25, 2006
The counterfeit items display the routing number 021207154, which is assigned to 1st Constitution Bank. The counterfeit items are referred to as "Cashier's Checks"; authentic checks are referred to as "Treasurer's Checks."

The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in layout. The counterfeit items display a logo in the upper-left corner, and an address and a telephone number (which is not associated with the bank) in the bottom-left corner. No security or surety bond wording is displayed on the item's face.

Authentic checks display the logo in the top center of the check, with the bank's address directly beneath. The checks display security wording across the top of the check and surety bond wording in the upper-left corner. 1st Equity Bank,
Buffalo Grove, IL

Contact:
Sabina Filipovic
Telephone: (847) 253-5200
Fax: (847) 253-6601
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-92-2010
June 22, 2010
The counterfeit items display the routing number 071926333, which is assigned to 1st Equity Bank Northwest. The items have ornate borders and display the bank's name and location near the top-left corner. The words "DATE" and "Remitter" appear near the top-right corner. A padlock security icon appears on the right side of the items, below the written amount line. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear below the written amount line on the left side of the items. One signature line appears in the lower-right corner. Authentic cashier's checks display a security feature statement embedded in a darkened top border. The bank's name, location and icon are displayed in the top center. The word "REMITTER" appears near the top-left corner. Two microprint signature lines appear in the lower-right corner with the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED ON CHECKS OVER $1000.00." The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the lower-right corner along with a restrictive feature statement. 1st Equity Bank,
Skokie, IL

Contact:
Toni Glen
Telephone: (847) 676-9200
Fax: (847) 676-9201
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-129-2009
August 13, 2009
The counterfeit items display the routing number 071925693, which is assigned to 1st Equity Bank. The items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display a security feature statement embedded in the top border and along the bottom border between two padlock icons. The items are light blue and incorrectly display the bank's name as "FIRST EQUITY BANK"; the correct name is "1st Equity Bank." The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are top-centered. An unassociated logo, incorrect bank name, location and a toll-free number, not associated with the bank, are shown in the top-left corner. The items have one authorized signature line with the restrictive statement "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS" appearing below the line.

Authentic cashier's checks are light green and display a security feature statement inside a darkened top border. The restrictive statement "CHECK VALID FOR 180 DAYS FROM DATE OF ISSUE" is displayed in the lower-left corner. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the lower-left corner. The bank's name (1st Equity Bank), location, and telephone and fax numbers are centered in the top portion. The checks have two signature lines with "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" and "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED ON CHECKS OVER $1000.00" tiered below the first line. 1st Financial Bank USA
Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

Contact:
F. Mark Kennedy
Phone: (605) 232-6753
Fax: (605) 232-6747

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-211-2007
August 7, 2007
The counterfeit items are reportedly associated with a lottery scam. The counterfeit items display the routing number 091404466, which is assigned to 1st Financial Bank USA, but are dissimilar to authentic items. The counterfeit items display the following security description embedded in the top border: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The address "Main St Dupree, SD 57623" is displayed in the top-center area below the name "1St Financial Bank Usa." Two versions of authentic checks are issued by the bank:

Version 1 is printed on blue marbled check stock with the following security description embedded in the top border: "SECURITY WARNING: THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT FEATURES A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINT BORDERS - THE REVERSE SIDE FEATURES ARTIFICIAL WATERMARKS." Authentic checks have a microprinted border that says "DOCUGARD."

Version 2 is printed on blue and pink check stock with the following statement printed in the top border: "THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND ON WHITE PAPER." A padlock symbol and a security notice are embedded vertically in the right border. The statement "THE BACK OF THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK - HOLD AT AN ANGLE TO VIEW" is embedded in the bottom border. This version has microprinted borders that read "PIRACLE." 1st Financial Bank USA
Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

Contact:
F. Mark Kennedy
Phone: (605) 232-6753
Fax: (605) 232-6747

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-60-2006
March 17, 2006
The fraudulent items display the routing number 091404466, which is assigned to 1st Financial Bank USA. 1st Financial Bank USA does not issue cashier's checks and the items are not similar to any authentic bank instrument in appearance.

The fraudulent items bear the bank's name in the top-left corner and the words "CASHIERS CHECK" are located in the top-center of the item. In the lower-left corner are the bank's name, with the "1st" spelled out as "First"; an address; and a telephone number not associated with the bank. Printed in the top border is the following: "THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SECURITY FEATURES-MICRO PRINTING-HIDDEN VOID PANTOGRAPH PRINTED ON SECURITY PAPER WITH INVISIBLE FIBERS AND CHEMICAL REACTANTS." The fraudulent items are printed on light blue paper. 1st Manatee Bank
Parrish, FL

Contact:
Brian M. Watterson
Phone: (941) 776-5040, extension 310
Fax: (941) 776-9191

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-23-2010/a>
March 1, 2010
The counterfeit items display the routing number 063116339, which is assigned to 1st Manatee Bank. The items are similar to authentic cashier's checks; however, "Parrish" is misspelled on the counterfeit items. Authentic checks have security feature statements embedded in darkened top and bottom borders. A microprint signature line appears in the lower-right corner. 1st Mariner Bank
Baltimore, Maryland

Contact:
Mr. Jim Heim
Telephone: (410) 342-2600
Fax: (410) 563-4158

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-12-2004
February 23, 2004
The authentic checks are issued by Travelers Express Company, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, and display the routing number of the Huntington National Bank, Columbus, Ohio, on which they are drawn. The counterfeit checks are similar to the authentic official checks and include the same routing number; however, the authentic official checks have a watermark printed on the back. 1st National Bank & Trust
Bradenton, Florida

Contact:
Ms. Sherri Manring
Telephone: (941) 746-4964, ext 305
FAX: (941) 748-8126
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-35-2003
July 3, 2003
The counterfeit items display the bank's routing number of 063112621 and appear to be almost exact duplicates of authentic checks. Most of these counterfeit items have been presented to individuals as part of fraudulent activity involving contracting for the purchase of items via the Internet, followed by an attempt to entice those individuals into wiring "excess funds" from counterfeit checks to a third party. 1st Security Bank of South Florida
Homestead, FL

Contact: Elaine Berryman
Telephone: (305) 247-5541
Fax: (305) 248-1090

Counterfeit Official Checks


SA-29-2010
March 8, 2010
1st National Bank of South Florida does not issue official checks; however, it does issue cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display the routing number 063106705, which is assigned to First National Bank, Wauchula, Florida. The counterfeit items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks and have scrolled borders on the top and sides. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are top-centered inside a rectangle with security feature statements on each side. A restrictive a
ount statement is displayed above two signature lines. Authentic cashier's checks display the routing number 067005145, which is assigned to 1st National Bank of South Florida. A security feature statement is embedded in a darkened top border. A "NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS" statement is in the top-center area, and the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are in the lower-left corner. 1st Security Bank of Washington
Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Contact: Jean Collins
Telephone: (800) 683-0973, Extension 3202
Fax: (425) 771-1642

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-194-2006
July 14, 2006
The counterfeit items display the routing number 325182289, which is assigned to 1st Security Bank of Washington, but are dissimilar to authentic checks. The counterfeit items include a Lynnwood, Washington, address and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank, in the upper-left corner. The words "FDIC INSURED" and "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the top center. The statement "THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SECURITY FEATURES - SEE REVERSE" is embedded in the top border. A square gold hologram appears next to the two signature lines in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the bank's name in the upper-left corner, followed by four lines that include "Mountlake Terrance Office, P.O. Box 97000, Lynwood, WA 98046-9700, (800) 683-0973." Authentic checks bear the routing number 125000574, which is assigned to Key Bank. The words "KEY BANK, LYNNWOOD OFFICE" are printed on two lines in the top-right corner. Authentic checks have one authorized signature line in the lower-right corner below the words "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS" and the bank's name. 1st Security Bank of Washington
Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Contact:
1st Security Bank of Washington
Client Services Department
Telephone: (800) 683-0973
Fax: (425) 771-1642
or
Jean Collins Telephone: (800) 683-0973, Extension 3202

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-108-2006
April 14, 2006
The counterfeit items display the routing number 325182289, which is assigned to 1st Security Bank of Washington. However, authentic checks are issued through Key Bank National Association, Cleveland, Ohio, and display the routing number 125000574, which is assigned to Key Bank National Association.

The counterfeit items are dissimilar in appearance to authentic checks. The counterfeit items bear the bank's name and logo in the upper-left corner above a Lynnwood, Washington, street address and a telephone number, which is not associated with the bank. The words "FDIC INSURED" and "CASHIER'S CHECK" appear in the top center. Printed in the top border is the following statement: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The counterfeit items are printed on blue and white office supply stock paper and have two authorized signature lines in the lower-right corner.

Authentic checks display the bank's logo and name followed by two office locations and the bank's toll-free telephone number ? (800) 683-0973 ? in the upper-left portion of the check. "KEY BANK LYNNWOOD OFFICE" appears in the top-right corner of the check. One authorized signature line is displayed in the lower-right corner. 1st United Bank
Faribault, MN

Contact:
Check Processing Department
Phone: (507) 334-2201

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-64-2010
May 24, 2010
The counterfeit items display the routing number 291971320, which is assigned to 1st United Bank. The items are similar to authentic cashier's checks; however, the counterfeit items display a security feature statement embedded in a darkened top border and along the bottom border between two padlock icons. Authentic cashier's checks have ornate borders on all sides with a security padlock icon embedded within the right border. 1st United Bank
Boca Raton, Florida

Contact:
Christine F. Cowan
Phone: (561) 842-2856
Fax: (561) 840-9663
Cell Phone: (561) 512-2512

Fraudulent Money Orders


SA-162-2006
June 6, 2006
The fraudulent items display the routing number 022000868, which is not associated with 1st United Bank. Additionally, 1st United Bank does not issue money orders. A telephone number, not associated with the bank, is printed in the upper-left corner of the item below the bank's logo, name and address. "Money Order" is printed in the top center and "Cheque No." appears in the upper-right corner of the fraudulent items. A. J. Smith Federal Savings Bank,
Midlothian, IL

Contact:
Pamela Favero
Phone: (708) 237-8127
Fax: (708) 687-7477

Counterfeit Official Checks


SA-169-2009
September 30, 2009
The counterfeit items display the routing number 271970448, which is assigned to A. J. Smith Federal Savings Bank. The items have ornate top and bottom borders with security feature statements embedded in them. Authentic checks have a green marbled background. A security feature statement is displayed at the top of the check above the words "OFFICIAL CHECK." Acacia Federal Savings Bank
Falls Church, VA

Contact:
Arrietta Wagner
Phone: (800) 950-0270, extension 73584
Fax: (703) 506-8162

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-161-2007
June 28, 2007
The counterfeit items display the routing number 256073328, which is assigned to Acacia Federal Savings Bank. A logo that includes the bank's name and address is displayed in the top center. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are in the top-left corner. Counterfeit items have pre- printed lines for "PAY TO THE ORDER OF" and the written dollar amount and one signature line in the lower-right corner. Authentic checks have the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top center, while the bank's logo, name and address are in the top-left corner. Authentic checks have two signature lines in the lower-right corner. Access 1st Capital Bank,
Denton, TX

Contact:
Jonathan Rapier
Phone: (940) 382-3962, extension 133
Fax: (940) 297-6322

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-201-2009
December 10, 2009
The counterfeit items display the routing number 111925744, which is assigned to Access 1st Capital Bank, but are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items display a security feature statement embedded within a darkened top border and along the bottom border between two padlocks. The bank's name, logo and location appear in the top-left corner. The words "CHECK NO." appear in the top-right corner. The words "Banking Center" appear above the "Pay To the Order of" line. Authentic checks have green borders and display the words "CASHIERS CHECK" in a green box at the top center. A security feature statement appears below the payee line. The bank's name, logo, location, telephone number and Web site appear in the lower-left corner next to a "NOTICE TO THE CUSTOMER" statement. Ackley State Bank
Ackley, IA

Contact:
Kent Stensland
Telephone: (641) 847-2651
Fax: (641) 847-2011

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-287-2007
November 15, 2007
The counterfeit items display the routing number 263179914, which is assigned to Country Federal Credit Union, Maclenny, Florida. The counterfeit items are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks and display a "NOTICE TO MEMBERS" and the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" in the top-center area. The bank's logo, name and address are printed in the top-left corner. The word "REMITTER" appears in the lower-left corner. The statements "VOID AFTER 90 DAYS" and "NOT VALID OVER $50,000.00" are printed in the bottom center. A box that contains the numerical dollar amount and one "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" line are printed on the right side.

Authentic checks display the routing number 073905352, which is assigned to Ackley State Bank, Ackley, Iowa. A security feature statement is printed below the written dollar amount line. A padlock and security statement are shown to the right of the word "DOLLARS" at the end of the written dollar amount line. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are displayed near the lower- left corner. The bank's name, logo, location, telephone number and the statement "Serving Ackley, Geneva, & Iowa Falls & Story City" appear in the top center. The word "REMITTER" is in the top-left corner. "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED" appears above two signature lines. Printed above each line is "AN AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE." Adams Co-operative Bank
Adams, Massachusetts

Contact:
Allyn F. Basel
Telephone: (413) 743-0001
Fax: (413) 743-7645

Counterfeit Checks


SA-160-2006
June 02, 2006
The counterfeit items include the routing number 211873686, which is assigned to Adams Co-operative Bank, but are dissimilar to the bank's authentic treasurer's checks. The counterfeit items are basic in design and layout, displaying the bank's name and a location in the top-center portion of the item.

Authentic checks display a logo in the top-left corner with "ADAMS CO-OPERATIVE BANK" printed to the right of the logo. The words "Treasurer's Check" are centered in the top portion below the bank's name. Authentic checks display two signature lines in the lower-right corner and the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED FOR AMOUNTS GREATER THAN $10,000.00" in the middle portion of the check. The Adirondack Trust Company, Saratoga Springs, New York

Contact:
John J. Boyd
Phone: (518) 584-5844
Fax: (518) 584-1107

Counterfeit Treasurer's Checks


SA-22-2007
January 8, 2007
The counterfeit items display the routing number 021302884, which is assigned to The Adirondack Trust Company. The counterfeit items are dissimilar to authentic checks in appearance and are shaded light pink on the left side with the color changing to light gray on the right side. The items have scrolled borders on the right and left sides, and the following notation appears below the signature line: "SIGNATURE AREA CONTAINS KNIGHT AND FINGERPRINT CHECK WORDING."

Authentic checks have a light green background and scrolled borders on the right, left and bottom sides. The following message is embedded in the top border: "THIS CHECK HAS A VOID FEATURE PANTOGRAPH & FACSIMILE WATERMARK ON BACK FOR SECURITY FEATURES." Advance Bank,
Baltimore, MD

Contact:
Calaway M. Braxton
Phone: (410) 358-1700, extension 213
Fax: (410) 358-8990

Counterfeit Teller Checks


SA-136-2008
June 27, 2008
The counterfeit items are very similar in format to authentic teller checks; however, they display the routing number 051404642, which is assigned to Bank of Southside Virginia, Carson, Virginia. Authentic teller checks display the routing number 052000113, which is assigned to M&T Bank, Baltimore, Maryland. Advance Bank issues its teller checks through an account at M&T Bank. On authentic checks, the check number and logo (initials "AB") are red. 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. Advanta Bank Corporation,
Draper, UT

Contact:
Chris J. Callister
Phone: (801) 619-7453
Fax: (877) 584-0481

Counterfeit Checks


SA-21-2010
March 1, 2010
The counterfeit items display the routing number 124384848, which is assigned Advanta Bank Corporation. The items have a security feature statement embedded in a top border with rounded corners. The words "CHECK NO." are displayed in the top-right corner. A box for the numeric dollar amount appears on the right side. The statement "VOID AFTER 60 DAYS FROM CHECK DATE" appears in the lower-left corner. The words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" are in the lower-right corner. Authentic checks have security feature statements embedded in the top border between darkened squares (one in each corner and one in the center). The bank's name ("Advanta Bank Corp") appears in the top-center area. A padlock security icon is embedded in the right border. Advanta Bank,
Wilmington, DE

Contact:
Terri Gavin
Phone: (302) 529-6537
Fax: (302) 529-6591

Counterfeit Cashier's Checks


SA-118-2008
May 30, 2008
The items are reportedly associated with a secret shopper scam. The counterfeit items display the routing number 031100212, which is assigned to Advanta Bank. The counterfeit items are markedly dissimilar to authentic checks. They display the bank's address ("One Right Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19803") and a telephone number ("1 (888) 811-1027"), which is not associated with the bank, below the bank's name in the top-left corner. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" are centered below the top border. Two signature lines with the words "BY AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" below each appear in the lower-right corner. The word "REMITTER" is shown in the lower-left corner.

Authentic checks are blue and, when copied, display the words "UNAUTHORIZED COPY" as background. The bank's name and "MEMBER FDIC" appear in the top-left corner. The bank's name also appears in the to