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Financial Institution Letter

Special Alert/Fictitious Official Checks


TO: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SUBJECT: Fictitious Official Checks

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has advised us that fictitious official checks drawn on the former Texas Commerce Bank, National Association, Houston, Texas, are in circulation internationally.

To date, almost all items presented have been drawn as follows: "Pay to the order of Dr. H.J.F. Woltemas, a/k/a Hans-Joachim Woltemas." The instructions accompanying the fictitious checks state that collections and confirmations are handled by "Ms. Michelle Lee Gramm" at Texas Commerce Bank, Houston, Texas. No such person exists at the bank. The official checks, confirmation documents and all matters relating to these transactions are fictitious.

The bank has requested that anyone with information on this matter contact Jackie T. Wallace, Fraud Prevention Officer at the successor bank, Chase Bank of Texas, N.A., Houston, Texas, by telephone at (713) 216-4021 or by fax at (713) 216-1952.

Information concerning these instruments also may be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room F-6012, Washington, DC 20429.

Nicholas J. Ketcha Jr.
Director

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, N.W., Room 100, Washington, D.C. 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).


FIL-42-98

Last Updated: April 21, 1998