Counterfeit Checks Using Stewart Title's Name Being Used in International Sweepstakes Fraud.

HOUSTON -- An international sweepstakes fraud is using counterfeit checks bearing the name of Stewart Title of Montgomery County. "Winners" are receiving a letter with a check and told they will win $62,500 if they wire $3,000 to a Canadian account for "international clearance fees."

"This sweepstakes offer is fraudulent," said Michael B. Skalka, president, Stewart Title Guaranty Co. "Stewart has notified the appropriate authorities including the bank, and none of these checks will be honored if presented for payment. Stewart is cooperating with all criminal investigations regarding this matter."

Any individuals receiving a letter from Stewart Financial Group/Stewart Title of Montgomery County and a check should immediately contact Mary Thomas of Stewart Legal Services, toll-free at [phone].

Stewart Title of Montgomery County and Stewart Title Guaranty Co. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE:STC), a customer-driven, technology-enabled, strategically competitive, real estate information, title insurance and transaction management company. Stewart provides title insurance and related information services required for settlement by the real estate and mortgage industries through more than 9,500 policy-issuing offices and agencies in the United States and international markets. Stewart also provides post-closing lender services, automated county clerk land records, property ownership mapping, geographic information systems, property information reports, flood certificates, document preparation, background checks and expertise in tax-deferred exchanges. More information can be found at http://www.stewart.com.