Suspicious Activity Report

A Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) is filed with FinCEN when a financial institution knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that a transaction involves funds from illegal activity, is designed to evade BSA requirements, has no apparent lawful purpose, or otherwise looks suspicious. Filing thresholds and timing vary by institution type.

SARs are strictly confidential — disclosing that a SAR has been filed (“tipping off”) is itself prohibited. A strong SAR program depends on transaction monitoring that surfaces alerts, a documented investigation and escalation process, and timely, well-supported filings.