CenterBank of Jacksonville, N.A., Jacksonville, Florida, has contacted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 096016765, which is assigned to CenterBank of Jacksonville, N.A. The paper stock of the counterfeit items has a cross-stitch patterned border; authentic checks have a cloud-like background with a black border. In addition, the counterfeit items display the following statement in the lower-left portion of the item: "PAYABLE THRU FIRSTAR BANK OF MINNESOTA, N.A., ST.PAUL, MN." Authentic cashier's checks display the statement "PAYABLE THRU US BANK, ST. PAUL, MN" in the lower-left portion of the check.

To verify the authenticity of CenterBank of Jacksonville, N.A. cashier's checks, or to provide any information you have concerning this matter, please contact:

Janice B. Dixon
Bank Security Officer
CenterBank of Jacksonville, N.A.
1325 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Telephone: (904) 421-3712
Fax: (904) 421-5682
jdixon@centerbankjax.com

Additional information about this matter that you believe should be brought to the OCC's attention may be forwarded to:

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. Information 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 Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2005/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).