Federal Benefits Access Center Department of Treasury Disbursement Scam

If you received a text message, email, phone call, or physical check mentioning a "Department of the Treasury Disbursement" from this center, it is a fraudulent attempt to compromise your identity or bank account.

Red Flags of the Scam

• Demands for Advance Fees: Real government grants or benefit disbursements never require you to pay a fee, processing charge, or buy gift cards to unlock your money.
• Phony Checks: Fraudsters often mail realistic-looking checks marked "Benefits Advancement" or "Benefits Overpayment" to trick you into calling a fake helpline.
• Unsolicited Text or Email Links: The U.S. Department of the Treasury will never send unsolicited messages asking you to click a link to secure your funds.

How to Verify and Protect Yourself

If you are expecting a legitimate government disbursement, use these secure channels instead:

• Verify the Check: If you received a physical check, verify its legitimacy directly using the Treasury Check Verification System.
• Find Legitimate Benefits: To see if you qualify for actual federal assistance, use the official, free USAGov Benefit Finder Tool.
• Manage Real Federal Benefits: If you receive legitimate Social Security, VA, or other federal benefits, safely manage your direct deposit via the official Go Direct Website or the Direct Express Card Program.
• Call the Real Bureau: If you are confused about a genuine payment issued from the Treasury, call the official Bureau of the Fiscal Service Call Center at 1-855-868-0151.

What to Do Next

1. Do Not click any links, deposit the check, or call the phone numbers listed on the fraudulent message.
2. Report Email Phishing: Forward Treasury-themed scam emails to phishing@irs.gov.
3. File a Fraud Report: Log the scam with the Federal Trade Commission Fraud Portal or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.