The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on the State Bank & Trust Company, New Ulm, Minnesota, are in circulation. A copy of a legitimate instrument and a copy of some counterfeit instruments are attached for your information. Information to date indicates the checks have been negotiated in the northeastern United States.

The bank's legitimate cashier's checks have a graphic picture of the bank in the center. The checks are yellow with blue print, and the check number is printed in red. The legitimate checks have a double-lined rounded border with a thick outer line and a thin inner line. The words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" are displayed under the signature line. The back of the check is white.

The counterfeit checks have a white background with black print and a square-cornered graphic design. The backs of the checks are light gray. The letters "MP" appear at the right end of the signature line. The SBT logo printed on the counterfeit items is much smaller than the logo on the authentic checks, and there is no graphic picture of the bank. The counterfeit items contain the bank's correct routing number and cashier's check account number, and a number of security features are included that are not present on the bank's authentic checks.

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

Information about 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/news/financial-institution-letters/1999/index.html .

Attachment:  (not available electronically)

Distribution:  FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC financial institutions letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room100, Washington, DC 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).