Fraud Alert 

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued an alert regarding counterfeit cashier's checks from Kleberg Bank, National Association in Kingsville, Texas. The checks resemble the bank's authentic checks; however, counterfeits may be identified by the following traits:

* The check does not contain any borders.
* The following security statement appears in the top border: "WARNING: THIS DOCUMENT HAS SECURITY FEATURES IN THE PAPER."

Counterfeit checks presented to date have been made payable in amounts between $1,270 and $2,780.99 and contain remitter names of Stephany N. Garza, James D. Garza, Toni Pomasl and Denver Thomas.  

For additional information and to verify the authenticity of cashier's checks drawn on Kleberg Bank, National Association, please contact the bank's fraud department at (361) 595-2988; by fax at (361) 593-1516; or by e-mail at  dispute.processing@klebergbank.com. 

Lease Financing Booklet 

Yesterday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued the "Lease Financing" booklet of the Comptroller's Handbook. This updated booklet replaces a similarly titled booklet issued in January 1998. This booklet also replaces section 219, "Leasing Activities," issued in June 1999 as part of the Office of Thrift Supervision's (OTS) Examination Handbook for the examination of federal savings associations.

The OCC's "Lease Financing" booklet

• provides an overview of the leasing business, including the legal framework for leasing, a description of various lease types, and accounting and financial reporting requirements.
• describes the risks associated with lease financing, sound risk management processes, and regulatory risk rating guidelines.
• discusses the commonality and differences in the laws and regulations unique to national banks and federal savings associations and among the various types of lease financing products.
• has an expanded examination procedures section that includes an internal control questionnaire and verification procedures.
  

With the issuance of this booklet, the following publication has been rescinded:

• OTS Examination Handbook, section 219, "Leasing Activities" (June 1999)