The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on the Exchange Bank, Santa Rosa, California, are in circulation. Circulation of the items seems to be widespread. It also appears the counterfeit items presented to date are being used in connection with a foreign lottery telemarketing scam described in FIL-78-2000 (dated November 16, 2000).

Attached for your information are a copy of one of the bank's legitimate cashier's checks and two copies of the counterfeit instruments. The bank's legitimate cashier's checks are maroon in color; the counterfeits are blue. The legitimate checks are 7 inches by 3 1/2 inches; the counterfeits are 8 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.

To obtain information about the validity of Exchange Bank cashier's checks, call the bank's customer service number (800) 995-4066 or (707) 524-3000. If you believe your bank has been a victim of this fraudulent activity, or if you have any information about this matter, contact:

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 under "News, Events & FOIA."

Attachment: Legitimate Cashier's Check , Counterfeit Cashier's Check , Counterfeit Cashier's Check

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).