If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have an offer of assignment or to rent or lease a Treasury security for a certain period of time, it is in all likelihood bogus. You should be especially wary of any securities offered for assignment or offered as proof of financial stability that bear the CUSIP number of 912810BU1.

You should demand that the offeror produce the securities or evidence of ownership. If he cannot, you should not consider the offer to be genuine. If the securities are in book-entry form, demand a statement from the financial institution holding the book-entry securities. Such statement should be sent to you directly.

If you have any questions concerning the validity of any securities, you should check out the information furnished to you with a trusted and informed source, such as your broker, accountant or lawyer.

If you are told the name of a certifying or holding organization, confirm that the organization is legitimate, is still in business and how long it has been in business. Call the organization for specifics on the purported existence of the securities.

Ask if the person offering the investment is registered with the SEC or with the securities agency in the state or country where you live.

Do not assume that people or organizations are who they say they are.

You should not be embarrassed if you think you have been scammed--you are not alone. Complain promptly and early and you will have a better chance of getting your money back, protecting your legal rights, preventing others from losing money and assisting securities regulators in stopping fraud.

If you have any questions on these or any other possible frauds or phonies involving Treasury securities, please call Jim Kramer-Wilt at (304) 480-8690 or send him an e-mail through the Internet to [email protected], including your full name and address. All media inquiries should be directed to Pete Hollenbach, Public Affairs Officer, Bureau of the Public Debt, at (202) 691-3502.