FinCEN is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Director of FinCEN is appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury and reports to the Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. FinCEN’s mission is to safeguard the financial system from illicit activity, counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and promote national security through strategic use of financial authorities and the collection, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence.
Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the U.S. government. They may contact you through phone calls, text messages, emails, U.S. Mail, or social media. They may say they work for FinCEN, including using the names of current or former FinCEN employees, or send you something claiming it is from FinCEN. Scammers will pressure you into sending money or personal information. They may demand payment for alleged anti-money laundering violations and outstanding debts.