# AML check of USDT TRC20: what it covers

**Short answer.** An AML check of a USDT TRC20 address looks for signals of risk: the Tether blacklist, sanctions lists such as OFAC SDN, and, in full AML tools, links to risky counterparties. TRCBeacon checks the first two against primary sources and does not score risk or give a legal opinion.

## What does an AML check of USDT TRC20 include?

Two layers exist. The list layer asks whether an address is on a published list: the Tether blacklist in the USDT contract `TR7NHqjeKQxGTCi8q8ZY4pL8otSzgjLj6t` and the OFAC SDN list. The behavioural layer traces fund flows and assigns a risk score; that is what commercial blockchain-analytics vendors do.

## What does the checker cover?

The [checker](/tools/usdt-trc20-checker/) covers the list layer: Tether blacklist status read from our own node and matches against the OFAC lists downloaded from treasury.gov. The sources and refresh rates are described in the [methodology](/methodology/).

## What does "no match" mean?

It means the address is not on those lists at the time shown. OFAC itself says its listings of digital currency addresses are not likely to be exhaustive ([OFAC FAQ 562](https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/562)), so absence from a list is not proof of safety.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lists checked | Tether blacklist, OFAC SDN and Consolidated | [Methodology](/methodology/) |
| Risk scoring | Not provided | [Methodology](/methodology/) |
| OFAC address listings are exhaustive | Not likely | [OFAC FAQ 562](https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/562) |
| USDT contract on TRON | TR7NHqjeKQxGTCi8q8ZY4pL8otSzgjLj6t | [Tether supported protocols](https://tether.to/en/supported-protocols/) |

## Check an address now

Paste a TRON address into the [USDT TRC20 checker](/tools/usdt-trc20-checker/) to see Tether blacklist status and OFAC matches. To get alerts on incoming transfers, [start in the Telegram bot](https://t.me/trcbeaconbot).

## Related guides

- [OFAC SDN list and TRON addresses](/guides/ofac-sdn-tron-addresses/)
- ["Dirty" USDT: what the term means](/guides/dirty-usdt-explained/)
- [How to check if a USDT address is frozen](/guides/how-to-check-if-usdt-address-is-frozen/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is this the same as Chainalysis or Elliptic?

No. Those vendors score behaviour and exposure. This check reports list matches only.

### Is an AML check required by law?

It depends on your jurisdiction and activity. Ask a lawyer; this guide is not legal advice.

### How current is the data?

Tether status is read at request time; OFAC lists are refreshed from treasury.gov about every 24 hours. See the methodology.

### Can the result change?

Yes. Lists change, so repeat the check before important payments.