The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has been informed by the Canada Post Corporation (CPC) that counterfeit Canadian Postal Money Orders are in circulation. The layout and fonts of the counterfeit money orders appear similar to those used on the genuine items. The genuine money orders, however, can only be purchased for a maximum value of $999.99 (Canadian or U.S.) and display a beaver-shaped watermark on their front.

These counterfeit instruments have been presented to unsuspecting victims for payment of goods and services in both the United States and Canada. The authenticity of Canada Postal Money Orders can be verified by contacting the CPC at (800) 563-0444. Attached is an example of both sides of a genuine money order.

Any information you have about this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Mr. Denis Robillard
Officer - Analysis, Protection and Custody
Canada Post Corporation
Money Order Services
2701 Riverside Drive
Suite E0025
Ottawa, Ontario KIAOB1
Telephone: (613) 734-9772
FAX: (613) 734-4643

Information or questions about these counterfeit instruments may be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room F-4040, Washington, DC 20429. You may also transmit information and questions electronically to alert@fdic.gov.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2003/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts, Financial Institution Letters and other announcements through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/news/news/announcements/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)