PORTLAND, Ore., Apr 15, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Media note: This is an invitation event that media are welcome to attend. We ask that you reserve a seat by calling (503) 275-5776. Abagnale will answer questions related to his presentation.

As the technology for counterfeit checks becomes increasingly sophisticated, more and more businesses are dealing with the reality of check fraud. To address this issue with its customers, U.S. Bank will host world-famous white-collar crime expert Frank Abagnale who will present his seminar on check fraud on Wednesday, April 16 at 8 a.m. at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd. in Portland.

The seminar will provide attendees with the latest information on how to protect their institutions and corporations from forgery and check fraud. Topics will include:

    --  current trends and statistics for check fraud;

    --  new counterfeiting technologies and forgery methods;

    --  potential liability for companies under the Revision to the
        Uniform Commercial Code 3-406;

    --  strategies and techniques for securing company documents;

    --  recognizing forged checks at point of sale; and

    --  treasury management products that can help you reduce check
        fraud losses.

"We're thrilled to offer our customers the opportunity to reduce their exposure to fraud and forgery through Mr. Abagnale's teachings," said Joseph Otting, U.S. Bank Market President for Oregon. "Mr. Abagnale is one of the world's leading authorities on check fraud who has consulted with hundreds of financial institutions and corporations for the past 25 years on white-collar crime."

Abagnale's rare blend of inside information and expertise began with his own personal experiences. Apprehended by French police when he was 21 years old, Abagnale had already cashed more than $2.5 million in counterfeit checks. His autobiography, titled "Catch Me If You Can," reached the top 10 best seller list of Time Magazine and The New York Times within two weeks. DreamWorks Entertainment released the motion picture of Abagnale's autobiography last year.

U.S. Bancorp, with assets in excess of $182 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,200 banking offices and 4,582 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.

CONTACT:          U.S. Bank
                  Teri Charest, 612/303-0732
                  Linda Wright, 503/275-5776

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SOURCE: U.S. Bank