Western Commerce Bank, Carlsbad, New Mexico, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation.

The counterfeit items display one of two routing numbers. The first routing number displayed on some of the counterfeit items is 112201085, which is assigned to Western Commerce Bank. The second routing number displayed on some of the counterfeit items is 103101822, which is assigned to First Bank and Trust, Clinton, Oklahoma.

Both versions of the counterfeit items display the following statement directly above the top signature line: "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IN EXCESS OF $5000.00." In addition, both versions of the counterfeit items display a padlock symbol and the words "Security Features Details on Back" across the right edge. Beneath the "PAY TO THE ORDER OF" line, the words "THE SUM" precede the dollar amount. The counterfeit items with the 103101822 routing number are negative images of authentic checks as the logo and box above the "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED" line have dark rather than white backgrounds.

Authentic cashier's checks display the wording "THIS DOCUMENT HAS AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK PRINTED ON THE BACK" across the top edge. Also, authentic checks display a number below the list of branches in the top-center portion and the statement "TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IN EXCESS OF $500.00" directly above the top signature line. Authentic checks do not display a padlock symbol.

A copy of both counterfeit items and a copy of an authentic cashier's check (VOID) are attached for your review. Any information you have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

Maribel Lopez
Vice President
Western Commerce Bank
513 North Canal Street
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220
Telephone: (505) 887-6686, Extension 575
Fax: (505) 887-5948
E-mail: mlopez@wcb.net

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. Information 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/2006/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 online copies of fraudulent instruments or copies of the genuine instruments that have been counterfeited. This is to avoid attempts by others to use the electronic versions of these instruments to facilitate additional fraud. Printed copies of fraudulent instruments are mailed with the Special Alert letter to the financial institutions on the letter's distribution list (generally, FDIC-supervised banks – commercial and savings). Printed copies of the 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)