Scams by Persons Claiming to be Federal Reserve Personnel Seeking Account Information
June 2005

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is aware of a scam by persons claiming to be Federal Reserve “security department” personnel seeking “account” information by e-mail. This message is not sent by or on behalf of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The e-mail’s attachment contains a virus and should not be opened.

Sample Fraud ›› (gif - 20 kb)

Federal Reserve Checks
July 2005

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York receives many inquiries about promissory notes and checks purportedly payable by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

One type of inquiry involves checks that are purportedly drawn against accounts maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York by various institutions and individuals—typically foreign central banks. Although foreign central banks do maintain accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, they do not have check writing privileges on those accounts.

Special Invitation Federal Reserve Websites
January 2003

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is aware of a scam involving the use of websites that purport to be official Federal Reserve websites. The sites look similar to the official Federal Reserve Bank of New York website and may use Federal Reserve trademarks and logos.

These fraudulent sites may indicate that the site is a "special invitation website." The sites may ask an Internet user to enter an "invitation code and pin" to access his personal account page or check the status of his foreign payments.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Federal Reserve System do not offer investments or payment services to the general public, nor do they use any agents that are authorized to deal with the general public.

Sample Fraud ›› (jpg - 35 kb)

Various Nigerian 4-1-9 Scams
January 2000

Several financial frauds and scams originate in Nigeria and are commonly called "4-1-9" after the relevant section of the Nigerian Penal Code. Some, but not all, invoke the name of the Federal Reserve. All of these scams are fraudulent.

See also: Nigerian Funds Placement Schemes