The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on the Interamerica Bank, Albuquerque, New Mexico, are in circulation.

Attached for your information is a copy of one of the counterfeit cashier's checks and a copy of one of the bank's legitimate cashier's checks. The counterfeit checks are off white in color with only one signature required. The check number follows the routing number. The caption "Member SIPC-FDIC" is printed below the bank's telephone number. The bank's legitimate cashier's checks are gold in color and require two signatures. The check number appears before the routing number. There are also differences in the "Notice" printed below the caption "Cashier's Checks." Items presented to date have originated in Nevada and New York.

If you have any information about this matter, please contact:

Ms. Susan Strain
Senior Vice President and Cashier
Interamerica Bank
2400 Louisiana Blvd., NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Telephone: (505) 837-9524
Fax: (505) 880-1777

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 "Newsroom, Events & FOIA." To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Financial Institution Letters through e-mail, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/announcements/index.html .

Attachment (not available electronically)

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).