Alert 2006-44
ALERT

    Subject:  Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Description:  Community National Bank of Sarasota County

       Date:  August 16, 2006

TO:  Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks; All
     State Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of 
     Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, 
     Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Director, 
     Office of Thrift Supervision; Conference of State 
     Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (districts);
     Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsel; 
     and All Examining Personnel

RE:  Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of Community National 
     Bank of Sarasota County, Venice, Florida 

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit 
cashier's checks issued in the bank's name, using a 
correct routing number of 63112993 and correct account 
number are being presented for payment locally and 
nationwide in connection with an Internet purchase scam.   

The counterfeit items can be identified by the following:
the instruments are cream in color, the bank's logo 
appears faded, the word "No." does not appear in front of
the check number, the reverse side of the check contains
endorsement instructions, lines for signatures, and the 
words "Federal Reserve Board of Governor Reg. CC."  

The bank has been informed by law enforcement that the 
checks are originating out of Ghana, Africa.  

For additional information and guidance, please contact 
Silverio Algarin, Compliance Officer, Community National
Bank of Sarasota County, 201 Center Road, Venice, FL  
34285, by telephone at (941) 488-6660, by fax at (941) 
484-8153, or via e-mail at [frank.algarin@cnbsara.com].

Additional information concerning this matter that you 
believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC 
may be forwarded to:

       E-mail:	occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
         Mail:	Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
               	Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
               	250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC   20219
	  Fax:  (202) 874-521
     Internet:	http://www.occ.treas.gov

For additional information regarding other types of 
financial fraud, please visit the OCC's anti-fraud 
resource at: http://www.occ.treas.gov/fraudresources.htm.



Gerard Sexton, Acting Director
Enforcement & Compliance Division