(Camden, NJ) – The Secret Service and United States Treasury Department are warning Americans not to fall victim to easily detected counterfeit Treasury checks as more payments from the CARES Act are distributed to Americans by mail.
The agencies have issued guidance for Americans regarding security features and tips to recognize a genuine check versus a counterfeit product.
- Treasury Seal – A new seal to the right of the Statue of Liberty. It should say “Bureau of the Fiscal Service,” and has replaced the old seal that said “Financial Management Service.”
- Bleeding Ink – When moisture is applied to the seal to the right of the Statue of Liberty the black ink will “run” and turn red.
- Watermark – All U.S. Treasury checks are printed on watermark paper. The watermark reads “U.S. TREASURY,” and is seen from both front and back when held up to a light source.
- Ultraviolet Overprinting – A protective ultraviolet (UV) pattern is invisible to the naked eye, consisting of lines of “FMS” bracketed by the FMS seal on the left and the U.S. Seal (eagle) on the right. As of 2013, a new ultraviolet pattern was introduced into the check that says “FISCALSERVICE”. Either one of these UV patterns maybe be seen.
- Microprinting – is located on the back of the check with the words “USAUSAUSA.”
- Economic Impact Payment – The Economic Impact Payment checks will have the following information located on the lower right side of the Statue of Liberty: “Economic Impact Payment President Donald J. Trump.”
“We know that our community is hurting and needs these stimulus payments as fast as possible, so it is extremely important that residents be able to determine a genuine check from a scam,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “If you are expecting a check by mail, please make sure you have carefully reviewed these features, know how to spot a fake check, and contact local law enforcement if you believe you are being victimized by fraudulent activity.”
To learn more about the security features that can be found on U.S Treasury Checks please click here or visit at: https://fiscal.treasury.gov/files/reference-guidance/gold-book/check-security-features.pdf.