Counterfeit Cashier's Checks: Counterfeit Cashier’s Checks of Union Bank of California, N.A.

The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using the bank’s correct routing number, 122000497, are being presented for payment. 

The counterfeit checks may be identified by the following: a burgundy or blue and white marbled background with a rectangular corporate logo printed in the upper-left corner.  The telephone number of the bank is omitted from the header, the protectograph amount of the item is missing, the “void” security feature is not included, and the internal bank form and overlay codes are missing at the bottom of the check.  In addition, the dollar amount of the item is not enclosed in a preprinted box. 

Authentic cashier’s checks issued by the bank are blue in color with a white pattern and visibly show “void” when photocopied.  The authentic bank logo located in the upper-left corner is square, and the bank’s telephone number appears directly under the bank’s address.  The dollar amount field is enclosed in a preprinted box, and the protectograph amount of the item will appear in the upper-right section of the check.

Both the authentic and counterfeit checks include the bank’s address located to the right of the logo and the term “CASHIER’S CHECK” in the top center.

You can verify the authenticity of Union Bank of California’s cashier’s checks by contacting Debra Kaplan, AVP, Risk Services, at 400 California Street, San Francisco, CA  94104, by telephone at (415) 765-3426, by fax at (415) 765-3522, or via email at [Debra.Kaplan@uboc.com]. 

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

Brian C. McCormally
Director for Enforcement & Compliance