Through a John Doe summons issued to the U.S. bank holding the correspondent account, the IRS can view records of deposits and payments by check and wire.

FORBES: Wells Fargo Hit With IRS Summons For Tax Haven Account Data

While total Fed earnings include fees for services like check clearing and wire transfers provided to depository institutions, the bulk of the earnings come from interest on loans and securities acquired as a by-product of its monetary policy.

FORBES: Big Fed Profits Are Another Benefit Of Wise Balance-Sheet Expansion

The forged check, the bogus wire transfer, the suborned courier?

CNN: I'm not a Pakistani spy

"Most of us would want to help a friend in need, but if it's an online friend, and they want you to wire money, you should double-check, " FBI spokesman Jason Pack said.

CNN: Facebook, Twitter crooks just a click away