Protect Yourself from US Treasury Check Fraud

Are you aware of the rising threat of US Treasury Check fraud? Recently, there has been a surge in the circulation of fraudulent checks, impacting financial institutions and individuals alike. Staying informed and vigilant is crucial to protect yourself and your finances.

Understanding the Scam

Scammers often target individuals by sending counterfeit US Treasury Checks, claiming they are legitimate and issued by the US Treasury. These checks may reference tax refunds, government grants, or other government funds. The scammer then informs the recipient that they have overpaid them or they have not deducted processing fees. The scammer then asks the recipient to return the excess funds via wire transfer. Sadly, the recipient becomes the unwitting victim of this scheme.

Recognizing a Counterfeit US Treasury Check

Counterfeit US Treasury Checks are increasingly being deposited into financial institution member accounts. These checks may appear legitimate at first glance with watermarks and official seals. However, upon closer inspection, they reveal themselves to be fraudulent.

Protecting Yourself

To safeguard against falling victim to counterfeit US Treasury Check scams, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the security features of valid US Treasury checks. This includes recognizing proper watermarks, ultraviolet overprinting, and microprinting.

Microprinting: A Key Indicator

One crucial aspect to look for is microprinting, which can reveal the authenticity of a US Treasury Check. There are three areas of microprinting to pay attention to:

• The bottom line on the front of the check above the check or MICR numbers repeats the words “UNITEDSTATESTREASURY.”
• The words “UNITEDSTATESTREASURY” are also repeated in the bottom left fold of the Statue of Liberty dress.
• The endorsement line on the back of the check repeats the initials “USAUSA.”

Stay Informed

To learn more about additional security features such as watermarks and ultraviolet overprinting that can assist in preventing US Treasury Check fraud, click here.

By staying informed and remaining vigilant, you can protect yourself and your finances from falling victim to counterfeit US Treasury Check scams. Together, let’s ensure a safer financial environment for all.

If you have questions about the legitimacy of a check you received, please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call us at 1-800-531-8456.

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