Photo in Lieu (PIL)
To print this page, go to File and select Print.
ITYP Description | Proper Usage
Photo in Lieu (PIL) – Used to request a credit entry and provide an indemnified photocopy or notice in lieu of return in response to a debit entry for a lost, destroyed or non-conforming item.
If you have been charged with a missing item(s) (Listed Not Enclosed (LNE)), you have the option to submit a PIL adjustment request to the Federal Reserve that charged you with the LNE. However, the preferred method for handling a PIL is through processing channels. Deposit the PIL, in an appropriate cash/return letter, with the Federal Reserve. You will receive credit via the cash/return letter.
Your Action - Preferred Method
Submit a photocopy in lieu of original as a collection item.
| Reporting Time Frame | Federal Reserve Bank Action |
|---|---|
| Normal Federal Reserve Bank check collection deadlines. | Normal Federal Reserve Bank check collection process. |
Forward Collection
- Properly indemnify a legible photocopy of the front and back of the item. The current endorsement information must be legible.
- On the front of the photocopy, record the routing number (ABA) and Sender Reference Number (SREF) from the Listed Not Enclosed (LNE) debit entry of the Federal Reserve Bank that reported the item missing (for example, 0610-0014-6/FR10002170022).
- Place indemnified photocopy in a MICR encoded carrier envelope.
- Send the item in the appropriate cash letter.
Return Process
Same as above, except no indemnification needed.
- Ensure the face of the item is marked with "Notice in Lieu of Return" and the reason for the return.
- BOFD endorsement must be legible. If BOFD endorsement is not legible, source information for the forward presentment item should also be provided.
- Send the item in the appropriate return letter.
Lost Shipment Forward/Return Cash Letter
Verify if original items have paid/been returned. If not, indemnify and endorse legible photocopies of the front and back of each item (Forward) or mark each item "Notice in Lieu of Return" and the reason for return (Return). Send to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in the appropriate cash/return letter.
Optional Method
- Submit an Electronic Case or Adjustment Request Form (PDF).
| Reporting Time Frame | Federal Reserve Bank Action |
|---|---|
| Within 20 business days
of the Federal Reserve Bank's Listed Not Enclosed (LNE) debit entry date. |
Same day entry - Provided requirements are met.* |
| After 20 business days, but within one calendar year
of the Federal Reserve Bank's Listed Not Enclosed (LNE) debit entry date. |
Same day acknowledgement - Provided requirements are met.* No entry. Advise the requesting institution to deal directly with the offsetting institution. Respond to request within 20 business days. |
Required Attachments
Forward Collection
- One legible, properly indemnified photocopy of the front and back of the missing item.
- On the front of the photocopy, record the routing number (ABA) and SREF from the LNE debit entry of the Federal Reserve Bank that reported the item missing (for example, 0610-0014-6/FR10002170022).
- Current endorsement information must be legible.
- Photo in Lieu must be "sorter ready". Place indemnified photocopy in a MICR encoded carrier envelope.
Return Process
Same as above except no indemnification needed.
- Ensure the face of the item is marked with "Notice in Lieu of Return" and the reason for the return.
- BOFD endorsement must be legible. If the BOFD endorsement is not legible, source information for the forward presentment item should also be provided.
Required Fields
| Field Name | Paper Form | FedLine CA1000 Message |
|---|---|---|
| Sender ABA (SNDR) and Contact Information | Your institution's ABA number, Name, Street Address, City, State, Contact Telephone Number (TELE), Contact Name (CNTC) and Respondent's ABA number (if applicable) | Auto-fills with your institution’s 9-digit ABA number. Contact Name (CNTC) and Contact Telephone Number (TELE). |
| Receiver ABA (RCVR) | Receiving Federal Reserve Bank’s name and/or ABA number | Auto-fills with the Federal Reserve Bank’s ABA number 061000146 |
| Case Investigation Type (ITYP) | Photo in Lieu (PIL) | Photo in Lieu (PIL) |
| Message Type (MTYP) | Open (OPEN) | Open (CA1000) |
| Case Amount (AMT) | Amount of the item reported missing/destroyed | Amount of the item reported missing/destroyed |
| Entry Type (ETYP) | Credit (CR) | Credit |
| Sender Reference Number (SREF) | Your institution's case number (max of 14 characters) | |
| Receiver Reference Number (RREF) | FRB's SREF from the Listed Not Enclosed (LNE) debit entry's advice | |
| From Cash Letter ABA (FCL) & To Cash Letter ABA (TCL) | You sent the cash/return letter to the Federal Reserve FCL - Your institution's ABA number TCL - Federal Reserve Bank's ABA number |
|
| Product Type (PROD) | The appropriate cash letter product type | The appropriate cash letter product type from the drop-down list |
| Attachment | Attachment | Upload File |
| Cash Letter or Entry Date (CLED) | Date of the Listed Not Enclosed (LNE) debit entry | |
*Same Day Entry/Acknowledgement Requirements
All electronic adjustment requests received by 5:00 p.m. ET with complete information will receive same day entry/acknowledgement. Supporting documentation (attachments) must be provided at the same time the electronic adjustment message is submitted.
All paper adjustment requests received at the Check Adjustments Centralized Data Entry Site by 11:00 a.m. ET with complete information and documentation will receive same day entry/acknowledgement.
Select an Error Type
- Disposition (DISP)
- Duplicate Entry (DUP)
- Encoding Error (ENC)
- Entry in Error (ERR)
- Entry in Error (ERR) Claim of Damage
- Information Request (INFO)
- Late Return Claim (LC)
- Late Return Disclaimer (LR)
- Listed Not Enclosed (LNE)
- Missing Cash/Return Letter (MCL)
- Non-Cash Item (NCH)
- Non-Receipt of Cash/Return Letter Credit (MCL)
- Not Our Item (NOI)
- Original or Sufficient Copy Request (OSCR)
- Paid Item (PAID)
- Photo in Lieu (PIL)
- Photocopy Request (PREQ)
- Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) Item
- Source of Receipt (SOR)
- Unauthorized Electronically Created Item (UECI)
- Unauthorized Remotely Created Check (URCC)
- Warranty/Indemnity Claim (WIC) Check 21 or Electronically Created Item (ECI)
- Wrong Payee Credited (WPC)
Retired Investigation Types
The following investigation types (ITYPS) have been retired and are no longer in use as an ITYP. Refer to each ITYP for action steps should the need arise to report the error condition or service request.