Real tax refund checks have specific features that are hard to copy
A real IRS refund check comes from the U.S. Treasury, not from the IRS itself. The check will say "Department of the Treasury" at the top and show a routing number for the Financial Management Service. The check number, routing number, and account number are printed in magnetic ink at the bottom — the kind that scanning machines can read. If you look closely, you can feel the raised print; it is not flat like a photocopy.
Fake checks are usually printed on regular paper or low-quality cardstock. They lack the magnetic ink stripe, the security features, and the weight of a real Treasury check. The text may be slightly blurry or misaligned. If you hold it up to light, a real check shows a watermark with the word "Treasury" embedded in the paper itself — fakes do not have this.
The IRS also mails refunds with a notice letter in the same envelope. The letter explains why you are getting the refund, shows the amount, and includes a phone number to call if you have questions. If you receive a check without any letter or explanation, that is a red flag.
Key Takeaways
- Real Treasury checks are printed on special security paper with a watermark, magnetic ink at the bottom, and raised print you can feel.
- Fake checks are usually printed on regular paper and lack the magnetic ink stripe, watermark, and weight of an authentic check.
- The IRS always sends a refund notice letter in the same envelope as the check; a check without a letter is suspicious.
- If you receive an unexpected refund check, verify it by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or checking your account on IRS.gov before depositing it.
- Depositing a fake check into your bank account can result in overdraft fees, account closure, or criminal charges against you.
Check the sender's address and the routing number
The check should be mailed from the address of the Financial Management Service, which is located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The address on the check is: Financial Management Service, P.O. Box 2206, Parkersburg, WV 26106-2206. If the check comes from a different address or a city you do not recognize, it is likely fake.
The routing number printed at the bottom left of the check should be 051000017 for checks issued by the Treasury. You can verify this number by visiting the Federal Reserve's routing number database or by calling your bank. If the routing number does not match, do not deposit the check.
Scammers sometimes use addresses that look similar to real government addresses — for example, "Treasury Department" instead of "Department of the Treasury," or a street address instead of a P.O. box. Read the address carefully and compare it to a check you received in a previous year if you have one.
Watch for common mistakes in the check details
Fake checks often have errors that real government checks do not. The amount written in words should match the amount in numbers. If they do not match, the check is fake. The date should be recent — within the last 30 days — and should match the date on the notice letter you received.
Your name should be spelled correctly and should match the name on your tax return. If the check is made out to a slightly different name or a nickname, it may be fake. The check should have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number printed on it, usually in the top right corner.
Look at the signature line. Real Treasury checks are signed by the Treasurer of the United States. The signature should be printed, not handwritten. If the signature looks shaky, uneven, or handwritten, the check is fake.
Verify the check before you deposit it
If you are unsure whether a check is real, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before depositing it. Have the check in front of you and be ready to provide your Social Security number, the check amount, and the check number. The IRS can tell you within a few minutes whether the check is legitimate.
You can also check your refund status on IRS.gov by using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. This tool shows the status of your refund and the method it was sent — direct deposit or check. If the tool shows that your refund was sent by check, you can see the date it was mailed and the amount. Compare this information to the check you received.
If you have already deposited a check you think is fake, contact your bank immediately. Tell them you may have deposited a fraudulent check and ask them to hold the funds while they investigate. Your bank can contact the Treasury to verify whether the check is real.
Understand what happens if you deposit a fake check
Depositing a fake check can have serious consequences, even if you did not know it was fake. Your bank will eventually discover that the check is fraudulent — this can take days or weeks. When they do, they will reverse the deposit and charge you an overdraft fee, usually between $25 and $35. If you have already spent the money, you will owe your bank the full amount plus the fee.
In some cases, your bank may close your account if you deposit multiple fraudulent checks or if the amount is very large. This can make it difficult to open a new account at another bank, because your name will be reported to ChexSystems, a banking history database.
If you knowingly deposit a fake government check, you could face criminal charges for fraud or forgery. Even if you did not know the check was fake, the burden is on you to verify it before depositing it. This is why calling the IRS or checking your refund status is so important.
Common scams that use fake refund checks
One common scam involves a fake check that arrives with a letter asking you to call a phone number to "activate" or "claim" your refund. The letter may say you need to provide personal information or pay a fee to receive the money. Real refund checks never require you to call a number or provide additional information. If you receive a letter like this, it is a scam.
Another scam uses a fake check to test whether your bank account is active. The scammer deposits a small fake check into your account and waits to see if it clears. If it does, they know your account is real and may try to deposit larger fake checks or use your account information for other fraud. This is why it is important to monitor your bank account and report any suspicious deposits immediately.
Some scammers send fake refund checks to people who have not filed a tax return. They hope the person will deposit the check without verifying it. If you receive a refund check but you did not file a return that year, call the IRS immediately. Do not deposit the check.
What to do if you receive a suspicious check
If you think a check is fake, do not deposit it. Instead, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and describe the check. Have the check number, routing number, and amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether the check is real and what to do next.
You can also report the fake check to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) by visiting their website at tigta.gov or by calling 1-800-366-4484. TIGTA investigates fraud related to tax refunds and can help track down scammers.
If you have already deposited the check and your bank has told you it is fake, keep all documentation from your bank showing the reversal. This protects you if anyone later accuses you of fraud. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the IRS send a refund check to someone else's address?
No. The IRS sends refund checks to the address on your tax return. If you moved, you should have updated your address with the IRS before filing. If you receive a check at an old address, it may be a fake check sent by a scammer who obtained your information. Do not cash it.
What if the check amount is different from what I expected?
Call the IRS before depositing the check. The amount may be different because of a penalty, an offset for back taxes or child support, or an error on your return. The IRS can explain why the amount is different. If the IRS did not send the check, it is fake.
Is it safe to deposit a check I am not sure about?
No. Depositing a check you are unsure about can result in overdraft fees, account closure, or criminal charges. Always verify the check with the IRS first. It takes only a few minutes and protects you from serious financial and legal consequences.
What should I do if someone asks me to cash a refund check for them?
Do not do it. If someone gives you a check to deposit into your account and then asks you to send them the money, it is almost always a scam. The check is fake, and you will be responsible for the full amount when your bank discovers the fraud. This is true even if the person claims to be a friend or family member.
Can I deposit a refund check at an ATM?
Yes, most banks allow mobile check deposit through their app or ATM. However, this does not make it safer to deposit a fake check. The bank will still discover the fraud eventually and reverse the deposit. Always verify the check with the IRS before depositing it, regardless of how you deposit it.