The FDIC has learned that approximately 4,000 common stock certificates of Bell Atlantic Corporation, CUSIP Number 077853 10 9, are missing and presumed stolen.

The certificates are numbered BA400001 through BA402000, and BA550001 through BA552000. The certificates are complete except for the stockholder's name and the number of shares. Any completion of these two blank items is unauthorized and the resulting certificate is considered counterfeit. A specimen of one of the missing certificates is attached.

If you have any information about these certificates, Bell Atlantic requests that you call 1-800-326-5677. Please also notify the nearest office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Information also may be forwarded to FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-612, Washington, D.C. 20429.

Attachment: (stock certificate facsimile, not available electronically)

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, N.W., Room 100, Washington, D.C. 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200). An electronic version of this press release is available at the FDIC website, /banknews -- then go to Financial Institution Letters.