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:

Information concerning these instruments also may be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room F-6012, Washington, DC 20429.

For your reference, all FDIC Financial Institution Letters published since January of 1995 may be found on the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov under the "Banking News" category.

Attachments (Electronic versions are not available)

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 NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).