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Watch Out for the Latest Treasury Check Fraud Tactics [Updated for 2024]

Watch Out for the Latest Treasury Check Fraud Tactics [Updated for 2024]

In the wake of the pandemic of 2020, the CARES Act represented a crucial financial lifeline for millions grappling with economic instability. However, this surge in government assistance also presented an unprecedented opportunity for fraudsters. Years later, the landscape of treasury check scams continues to evolve, leveraging the lingering effects of the pandemic. With the government’s ongoing and valuable efforts to support those in need, it’s become increasingly important for individuals and their financial institutions to defend against the sophisticated tactics of scammers looking to exploit the system. This post delves into some of the nuances of these scams, aiming to arm you with the knowledge needed to safeguard your finances in a post-pandemic world.

The Persistent Threat of Check Fraud

Despite the digital age, check fraud remains a significant issue, adapting to new technologies and economic conditions. In 2023, global losses due to fraud scams amounted to $486 billion, with check fraud alone resulting in $21 billion in losses in the Americas. This underscores the ongoing challenge financial institutions face in combating traditional and digital fraud schemes​​​​. US Treasury scams are one place where check fraud remains an issue as fraudsters take advantage of the trust Americans have in their government.

New Economic Relief Efforts: Be Proactive

In 2024, the passing of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act marked a significant step in providing continued support across various sectors. This act includes enhancements to the Child Tax Credit, offering business breaks, disaster tax relief, and measures aimed at improving affordable housing. Such legislative efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to economic stability and growth​​​​.

However, we have learned from previous relief acts that scammers will use this as an opportunity to target a new and vulnerable point in the financial aid system. Financial institutions and individuals must remain vigilant against evolving fraud tactics as they relate to the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.

Top US Treasury Scams

As a refresher and a reminder, here are some of the most common US Treasury Scams. This is not an exhaustive list, as fraudsters are always finding the edges and new paths to exploit any financial system.

Fake Treasury Check Scams

This scam involves the fraudulent use of checks that appear to be issued by the U.S. Treasury. Scammers send counterfeit checks to individuals, claiming that the recipients are entitled to receive a government grant, tax refund, or other payments from the Treasury. The check might look legitimate, complete with watermarks and official seals. Victims are often instructed to deposit the check and then wire a portion of the funds back to cover taxes, processing fees, or other fabricated expenses. Once the bank discovers the check is fake, the victim is held responsible for the entire amount.

Tax Refund Fraud

In this scam, fraudsters use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns in someone else’s name, directing the refund to an account they control. The scammer might send a portion of this refund to the victim via a fake Treasury check, asking them to forward a part of it under some pretext, leaving the victim liable when the fraud is discovered.

person in orange long sleeve shirt writing on white paper

Grant Scams

Scammers contact potential victims, claiming they’ve been selected to receive a government grant from the U.S. Treasury for personal expenses, business support, or disaster relief.

To receive the grant, victims are told they must first pay a processing or delivery fee, often asked to be paid via wire transfer, gift cards, or by depositing a fake Treasury check and sending a portion of it back to the scammer.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan scams

Government officials are continually warning the public and their financial institutions about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs provided by the SBA to assist small business owners.

The agency advises everyone to watch out for phishing emails or other scams related to economic relief programs whether they originate in the form of a fake treasury check, an Instagram DM, or some other promise of a government funded loan that seems too good to be true.

Fake Social Security number requests

According to the AARP, the Social Security Administration receives hundreds of thousands of complaints each year of scammers asking for SSNs.

Cash advances

Some lenders offered an advance on relief money, refund money, or other treasury related funds.

The scam occurs because recipients pay a high interest rate which can add up quickly, costing them more than it is worth.

Quick Fraud Prevention Tips for Everyone

  • Verify Before Acting: Contact the U.S. Treasury or the agency purportedly issuing any check directly through official channels to verify the check’s authenticity.
  • Understand Treasury Checks: Familiarize yourself and your FI staff members with the security features of legitimate U.S. Treasury checks to identify fakes.
  • Never Wire Money: Legitimate government agencies will never ask you to wire money or pay fees to receive grants or refunds. Ensure your wire transfer team understands and validates all wire transfer requests.
  • Report Suspected Fraud: If you suspect a scam, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

How Financial Institutions Can Fight Treasury Check Fraud

Here are some recommendations to help FIs stay vigilant and prevent US Treasury check fraud in 2024 and beyond.

Strong Verification Processes

In the battle against fraudulent U.S. Treasury check scams, the implementation of robust verification processes is indispensable. FIs should train their tellers and back office staff in recognizing the security features inherent in authentic U.S. Treasury checks. This training should cover the identification of watermarks, ultraviolet overprinting, microprinting, and the use of Treasury check verification systems to ascertain a check’s legitimacy prior to its processing.

Download the Guide to Treasury Checks

Account Holder Education

Educating account holders about the dangers associated with counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks is a proactive step. It is crucial for FIs to issue clear guidelines on the issuance of legitimate Treasury checks, especially concerning tax refunds, grants, or disaster relief payments. Raising awareness among account holders about the warning signs of unsolicited checks and the proper verification protocols can significantly diminish the risk of fraud.

Reporting and Response Protocols

Establishing straightforward protocols for the internal reporting of suspected fake Treasury Check scams, as well as making reports to external authorities, is critical.

Collaborative Work

Engaging in collaborative efforts with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other financial institutions is vital in addressing fake U.S. Treasury check scams. Sharing information on scam tactics and fraud trends can bolster the security of the financial system. Participation in industry forums, consortiums, and networks offers valuable insights into preventive measures and alerts to emerging threats.

Invest in Fraud Detection Software

Leveraging anti-fraud technologies with built-in Treasury Check features like TrueChecks enables FIs to more confidently spot potentially fake checks on a real-time basis.

At AFS, our bank and credit union customers, process thousands of Treasury items per month, identifying fraud in real-time and preventing losses along the way. This has been made possible following new enhancements to TrueChecks® – the industry’s leading check fraud database and comprehensive check fraud prevention solution – including a direct link to the U.S. Department of the Treasury database, giving financial institutions the ability to validate Treasury items in real time or in batch, across their deposit channels.

For more, read AFS’ white paper, Guide to Treasury Check Validation, to learn how financial institutions can easily validate Treasury items.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I Receive an Unexpected Check from the United States Treasury?

Receiving an unexpected U.S. Treasury check can be surprising and perhaps a little exciting. However, as an individual, it’s important to verify its authenticity before taking any further action. Contact the issuing agency directly through official channels to confirm the check’s legitimacy. Never wire money or pay fees to claim a check, and report any suspicions of fraud to the appropriate authorities.

Financial institutions should also take care to validate all US Treasury Checks using the appropriate protocols.

How Can I Identify a Fraudulent Communication from the Internal Revenue Service?

Fraudulent communications pretending to be from the IRS are a common tactic used by scammers. Genuine IRS communication will never demand immediate payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or by sharing sensitive information over the phone.

Always verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the IRS directly through their official website or phone number. If you’re navigating to the IRS website, be sure that the URL is correct, as scammers can even disguise fake websites as legitimate.

What Is the Role of the Fiscal Service in Preventing Treasury Check Fraud?

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service plays a crucial role in combating treasury check fraud. They implement measures to secure the printing and issuance of checks and work closely with financial institutions to educate them on recognizing fraudulent checks. Understanding their role can help your financial institution appreciate the complexity of fraud prevention efforts, and use those insights to keep account holders safe.

How Can I Verify the Authenticity of Treasury Checks?

To verify the authenticity of a Treasury check, familiarize yourself with its security features, such as watermarks, ultraviolet overprinting, and microprinting. If you’re uncertain about a check’s legitimacy, use the U.S. Treasury’s check verification system or contact the issuing agency directly. Financial institutions can also be a valuable resource in helping to confirm the validity of Treasury checks. TrueChecks by Advanced Fraud Solutions has the capability to make treasury check verification easy.

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