The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) have recently announced a series of measures underscoring a renewed and coordinated federal focus on combating fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. These priorities align with broader AML/CFT policy objectives and reinforce expectations that financial institutions maintain robust monitoring systems and promptly report suspicious activity.
Treasury’s latest announcement emphasizes a “whole-of-government” strategy to protect federal funds, including enhanced interagency coordination, expanded use of data analytics and financial intelligence, and continued modernization of payment systems. These efforts are designed to address persistent vulnerabilities in programs such as healthcare and other federal benefits, where fraud remains a significant and growing risk.
In parallel, FinCEN issued an advisory highlighting significant risks related to healthcare fraud schemes targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and other benefit programs. FinCEN reported a 330% increase in Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) reporting related to healthcare fraud between 2020 and 2025 and described common tactics, including the use of shell companies, fraudulent billing practices, and rapid laundering of proceeds through domestic and international financial systems. FinCEN is urging financial institutions to enhance monitoring and ensure that suspicious activity reports clearly identify potential healthcare fraud.
...
Welcome to Reality Check, NewsGuard’s nonpartisan newsletter that tracks the false claims and conspiracy theories that shape our world — and who’s behind them. Please support us by becoming a premi...