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SPECIAL ALERT

BSA/AML, OFAC and Fraud
December 5, 2002


TO: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (also of interest to Security Officer)
SUBJECT: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Summary: Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on AmercianWest Bank, Spokane, Washington, and National Bank of Commerce, Memphis, Tennessee, are in circulation.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on AmericanWest Bank, Spokane, Washington , are in circulation. These items bear the routing number 125107037 and are entitled "Official Funds." The bank name on these instruments is United Security Bank , which was previously merged into AmericanWest Bank . Attached for your information is a copy of one of the counterfeit instruments.

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

Mr. Wade A. Griffin
Vice President
AmericanWest Bank
North 9506 Newport Highway
Spokane, Washington 99218
Telephone: (509) 466-9619
Fax: (509) 466-0255
Counterfeit cashier's checks drawn on National Bank of Commerce, Memphis , Tennessee, also are in circulation. The items bear the routing number 044015543 and are identified as a "Teller's Check." Attached for your information is a copy of one of the counterfeit instruments.

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

Ms. Valerie Walls
Client Support
Travelers Express Company, Inc. (third-party vendor)
P.O. Box 9476
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55480
Telephone: (800) 323-6873 (automated system)
(800) 328-5678, option 1, extension 7387
Fax: (763) 549-7430
Financial institutions are encouraged to develop and implement procedures to reduce the risk of loss associated with this type of fraud.

Information about these instruments also may be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room F-4040, Washington, DC 20429, or transmitted electronically to alert@fdic.gov .

For your reference, Financial Institution Letters, published since January of 1995, may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at http://www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2002/index.html . To automatically receive FDIC Financial Institution Letters through e-mail, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/announcements/2002/index.html .

Michael J. Zamorski
Director

Attachment (not available electronically)

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).


Last Updated: December 5, 2002