Fraud Alerts

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), Office of Inspector General, is investigating incidences whereby individuals are using fraudulent Treasury-related financial obligations or accounts to attempt purchases or pay debts.  Fraud perpetrators across the nation have recently begun to use fraudulent promissory notes and/or private bonds as vehicles to defraud investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars. 

The Department of the Treasury is also aware of several fraudulent schemes that involve what are claimed to be securities issued or backed by the Treasury Department or another part of the U.S. Government.  These scams have been directed towards banks, charities, individuals, and companies which seek payment on the fraudulent securities.  

Sample fraudulent documents, which falsely utilize names of Treasury officials, are provided below for reference.  These documents are NOT valid negotiable financial instruments and recipients should NOT respond to, nor act upon, such documents.  In addition to browsing the documents below, you may visit the official website of the Bureau of the Public Debt for more information on this topic and how to avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud.

• U.S. Treasury OIG Fraud Alert - National Automobile Dealers Association
• U.S. Treasury OIG Fraud Alert - National Association of Realtors
• Sample Fraudulent Promissory Note
• Sample Fraudulent Private Bond

Last Updated: December 11, 2008