The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on the Citizens Business Bank, 701 N. Haven Avenue, Ontario, California, are in circulation. Copies of some of the counterfeit instruments and a copy of a legitimate instrument are attached for your information. Checks received to date have been negotiated along the West Coast of the United States.

The bank's legitimate checks have the words "CASHIER'S CHECK" on the lower left side and are printed on a line printer. On the right side, the legitimate checks have the amount in large print, and a statement below the amount in smaller print near the center of the check that reads "VOID OVER" and the amount of the check.

The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are printed in the top center of the counterfeit checks, and the bank's logo is absent. The counterfeit checks also have a border across the top that reads: "THIS INSTRUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND, VOID PANTOGRAPH AND MICROPRINTING: THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The routing number is incorrect, and the word "Branh [sic] #25" and the address of the bank's Pasadena, California, branch appear on the counterfeit items.

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 "News, Events & FOIA."

Attachment: (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).