Skip to main content
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government
Dot gov
The .gov means it’s official. 
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
Https
The site is secure. 
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
INACTIVE
This page is no longer active. Its content has expired or been rescinded by the FDIC.
Financial Institution Letter

Special Alert


TO: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SUBJECT: Fraudulent Instruments

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned that banks are receiving instruments entitled "Certified Bankers Checks" purportedly payable at United States Post Offices, the United States Treasury Department, and the Comptroller of the Currency. These instruments are deemed to be without financial value.

The FDIC has also received information that banks are being offered certificates of deposit in the amount of $25 million (U.S. dollars), purportedly issued by Banco Del Atlantico, S.A., to support various financial transactions. These instruments have been reported to be counterfeit and contain forged signatures. Banco Del Atlantico, S.A., is a legitimate bank headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico.

Any information concerning these instruments should be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-612, Washington, D.C. 20429.

Nicholas J. Ketcha Jr.
Director

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Last Updated 11/13/18 communications@fdic.gov

FIL-19-96

Last Updated: April 8, 1996