US Treasury Stimulus Check
US Treasury Check watermark, microtext and ultraviolet overprinting

Are people receiving fake U.S. Treasury checks? The answer is, yes. Here are 6 ways to verify your refund check.

  1. Treasury Seal: It should say “Bureau of the Fiscal Service.”
  2. Bleeding Ink: When moisture is applied to the black seal to the right of the Statue of Liberty, it will "run" and turn red.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 may be seen. For more information, visit: https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/.
  5. Microprinting: Is located on the back of the check with the words “USAUSAUSA.”

Economic Impact Payment

  1. Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the second and third mailed EIP may be different than the first mailed EIP. Some people who received a paper check last time might receive a prepaid debit card this time, and some people who received a prepaid debit card last time may receive a paper check.

    Debit Card