The CFTC’s Division of Enforcement, created the CFTC SAR Alert Hotline to centralize notifications made to the Commission about SAR filings. In 2001, the USA PATRIOT Act expanded the scope of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). As a result, futures commission merchants and introducing brokers became subject to regulations requiring them to file SARs. As provided in the SAR rules, in situations involving violations that require immediate attention, firms should immediately notify an appropriate law enforcement authority in addition to filing a SAR.
The CFTC SAR Alert Message Line phone number is 202-418-5220. This number should only be used when FCMs and introducing brokers have filed a SAR that may require immediate attention by the Commission.
Calling the CFTC SAR Alert Hotline does not alleviate a firm's obligation to file a SAR or notify an appropriate law enforcement authority, such as a local office of either the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division or the FBI. General questions on SARs and other BSA filing requirements may be directed to FinCEN's Regulatory Helpline at [email protected] or 1-800-767-2825 toll free or 703-905-3591.