Alert 2005-23 | November 9, 2005

Fraudulent Official Checks: Fraudulent Official Checks of Chino Commercial Bank, N.A., Chino, CA

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

The above-named bank has reported that fraudulent official checks issued in the bank's name but using the routing number of First Interstate Bank, Los Angeles, CA, are being presented for payment. Chino Commercial Bank, N.A., does not issue official checks. Thus far, all items have been issued in connection with COD gun supply purchases.

The fraudulent checks may be identified by the following: a ribboned banner across the top of the check with a statement that reads: "THIS DOCUMENT HAS A COLORED BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING. THE REVERSE SIDE INCLUDES AN ARTIFICIAL WATERMARK." The bank name, address and telephone number appear in the upper-right portion of the check. The words "OFFICIAL CHECK" are enclosed in a box in the center of the item. There is a clause at the bottom of the check that reads: "Issued by Integrated Payment Systems, Inc, Englewood, Colorado, Wells Fargo Bank LTD, NA, Los Angeles, CA." Items presented to date have a facsimile signature of Thomas W. Carey, and check numbers printed in the upper-right corner vary from 10 to 11 digits. The MICR-encoded check number is the same on all items, 054036; however, the account number varies. The routing number is listed as 122037711, which is issued to First Interstate Bank of Los Angeles, CA.

Any questions regarding these items should be directed to Robin Mora, AVP/Compliance Officer, at 14345 Pipeline Avenue, Chino, CA 91710, by telephone at (909) 393-8880, by fax at (909) 465-1279 or via email at [rmora@chinocommercialbank.com].

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

Email:	occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
Mail:	Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10 250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
Fax:	(202) 874-5301
Internet:	https://www.occ.gov

For additional information on this and other types of financial fraud, please visit OCC's anti-fraud resource.

Brian C. McCormally
Director for Enforcement & Compliance

Topic(s):

Consumer Protection