America's Credit Unions is backing a proposal to add the U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service to Nacha's ACH Contact Registry, arguing the change would improve payment recovery efforts and strengthen fraud prevention across the payments system.

In a comment letter submitted to Nacha, the credit union trade group expressed support for a proposed amendment to the ACH Operating Rules that would allow the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to participate in the registry, which provides verified contact information for financial institutions involved in ACH transactions.

According to the letter, credit unions regularly receive ACH payments originating from the federal government, including Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, tax refunds and federal payroll payments. When payment issues arise, such as non-receipt, reclamations, improper payments or recovery requests, credit unions often must work through intermediaries to identify the appropriate government contact.

America's Credit Unions said adding the Bureau of the Fiscal Service directly to the registry would streamline communications, reduce resolution times and improve service for members receiving federal payments. The organization also noted the change could help combat fraud by allowing financial institutions to verify whether calls claiming to originate from the Bureau are legitimate.

The group emphasized that participation by financial institutions would remain voluntary and that no operational changes would be required for credit unions. It also urged Nacha to clarify that the Bureau would be subject to the same use and confidentiality requirements as other registry participants.

America's Credit Unions concluded that the proposal would strengthen coordination between credit unions and federal payment officials while imposing no new burdens on participating institutions.

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