Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

FIL-23-99
March 15, 1999

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on Heritage Bank, Wharton, Texas, are in circulation. Copies of a counterfeit instrument, as well as a copy of a legitimate instrument, are attached for your information.

The counterfeit checks contain Heritage Bank's name, logo, address and cashier's check account number. However, the routing numbers on the counterfeit checks are those of the local office of Savings of America (n/k/a Washington Mutual Bank). As noted on the face of the check, the legitimate checks require two signatures for any amount over $5,000. The counterfeit checks contain no such requirement. Checks presented to date have shown Carla Metcalf as the purchaser. Individuals attempting to negotiate the counterfeit checks to date have made the checks payable to legitimate customers of the institution where the perpetrators have attempted to cash the checks, and have used phony driver's licenses with the legitimate customers' names and the perpetrator's photograph.

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

Ms. Brandi M. Gregg
Vice President - Compliance/CRA
Heritage Bank
P. O. Box 27515
Houston, Texas 77227-7515
Telephone (713) 693-9370
Fax (713) 693-9339