Legends Bank, Linn, Missouri, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. The items are reportedly associated with a sweepstakes scam.

The counterfeit items display the routing number 081514010, which is assigned to Legends Bank, but are markedly dissimilar to authentic cashier's checks. The counterfeit items have dark borders and display a security feature statement embedded within the top border. A padlock icon is shown in the lower-right corner. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are shown inside a rectangle with rounded corners in the top center. The bank's name and "SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI" appear in the top-left corner. The phrase "NAME OF REMITTER" is in the lower-left corner. The words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE" precede the signature line and "Drawer: Legends Bank, Saint Louis, Missouri" is shown below the signature line.

Legends Bank does not issue official checks; however, it does issue cashier's checks. Authentic cashier's checks are light blue and have ornate borders. The bank's logo (a tree image), name, "Linn, Missouri 65051" and Web site address are in the top–center area. The words "CASHIER'S CHECK" and a "NOTICE TO CUSTOMER" regarding an indemnity bond appear in the lower-left corner. The word "REMITTER" is in the top-left corner. A padlock icon and vertical security feature statement are centered and incorporated in the right border. The statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED ON AMOUNTS OVER $5,000.00" appears above two signature lines. A rectangular box is displayed on the right side containing the numeric dollar amount.

Copies of a counterfeit item and an authentic check (VOID) are attached for your review. Be aware that the appearance of counterfeit items can be modified and that additional variations may be presented.

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

Mary Lou Katnik
Internal Auditor and Compliance Officer
Legends Bank
200 East Main Street
Linn, Missouri 65051
Telephone: (573) 897-2204
Fax: (573) 897-4202
E-mail: mlkatnik@legendsbk.com

Information about counterfeit items, cyber-fraud incidents and other fraudulent activity may be forwarded to the FDIC's Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-4004, Washington, D.C. 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov. Questions related to federal deposit insurance or consumer issues should be submitted to the FDIC using an online form that can be accessed at http://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's website at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2008/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts through e-mail, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Attachment (not available electronically)

NOTE: As a security precaution, the FDIC does not post to its Web site electronic images of fraudulent items or authentic checks that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Financial institutions can view images of the fraudulent items and authentic checks (marked as VOID) using the FDIC’s free, secure Web site, FDICconnect. (See more information about FDICconnect at http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2006/fil06032.html.) Printed copies of each Special Alert and its attachment(s) may also be obtained from the FDIC's Public Information Center (telephone: 1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200; fax: 703-562-2296; or e-mail: publicinfo@fdic.gov).

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)