How do I determine if a banknote is genuine? What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?
The best way to determine whether a note is genuine is to rely on the security features, such as the watermark and security thread. Counterfeit detection pens are not always accurate and may give you false results. To learn about these and other security features in genuine Federal Reserve notes, visit the U.S. Currency Education Program website.
It is important to know what the security features are in genuine currency, because if you end up with a counterfeit note, you will lose that money. A counterfeit note cannot be exchanged for a genuine one, and it is illegal to knowingly pass counterfeit currency.
If you live in the United States and you think you've received a counterfeit note, immediately notify the local police. Try to remember the physical characteristics of the person who passed the suspect counterfeit, and if possible write down the person's license plate number and vehicle description. Store the suspect counterfeit apart from genuine currency and release it as soon as possible to law enforcement authorities.
If you live outside the United States and want to report counterfeit currency, you should notify the U.S. Secret Service field office in your region. The Law Enforcement section of our currency education website, www.uscurrency.gov, offers contact information for U.S. Secret Service field offices around the world.
Related Information
www.uscurrency.gov
Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
Related Questions
I received a suspicious-looking e-mail that claims to be from the Federal Reserve. Is it a scam?
FAQs
Detector Pen
When applied; detector pens leave a dark line on most counterfeit notes; if the note is genuine the pen leaves no mark. We recommend that you mark a suspect banknote diagonally from corner to corner.
Which is the best method of checking if a note is counterfeit? ›
Detector Pen
When applied; detector pens leave a dark line on most counterfeit notes; if the note is genuine the pen leaves no mark. We recommend that you mark a suspect banknote diagonally from corner to corner.
How do you detect fake banknotes? ›
To spot counterfeits, look for the absence of features like security threads, UV properties, watermarks, and color-shifting inks. Fake bills can sometimes have a few of these features, but it's difficult to replicate all of them perfectly.
How does one verify that banknotes are authentic? ›
Use the FEEL – LOOK - TILT method, as well as an instrument or device to verify whether banknotes are genuine, if you have one. 4. Compare a suspect banknote with another banknote, if necessary.
How can you tell if a bank note is counterfeit? ›
A suspect banknote may feel excessively thick or thin compared to a genuine banknote. It is difficult to start a tear along the edge of a genuine banknote. You can also try scrunching the banknote in your hand – a genuine banknote should spring back.
What is the #1 way to detect counterfeit money? ›
Look closely for blurry borders, printing, or text.
Look around the edges of the bill and at any small text. Authentic bills have extremely detailed micro-printing, meaning that even under a magnifying glass, the printing is crisp and the micro-text on the bill should be readable.
How do you check the note is real or fake? ›
To spot a fake note, you can check the typography of the words 'Reserve Bank of India'. These words will appear thicker on a fake note, whereas they seem far smoother on a real note. Similarly, you can check out the micro-lettering between Gandhiji's image and 'Reserve Bank of India'.
What is the app that checks for fake notes? ›
One such app is "Counterfeit Money Detector" which is available for both iOS and Android devices. This app uses various methods such as ultraviolet light detection, watermark analysis, and magnetic ink detection to help users identify counterfeit currency.
How to check if a 50 note is real? ›
On the £20 and £50 notes there is a second, smaller window in the bottom corner of the note. Below the main see-through window on the front of all the notes, there is a silver foil patch containing a hologram. When you tilt the note from side to side, the words change between the value of the note and 'Pounds'.
Can cash deposit machine detect fake notes? ›
The answer is yes, to a large extent. ATMs are equipped with sophisticated technology to verify the authenticity of banknotes before dispensing them or accepting them for deposits.
Serial Number
A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note. Each note has a unique serial number. The first letter of the serial number corresponds to the series year. A “star” suffix is used to identify notes that serve as replacements during the production process.
What is used to detect fake currency? ›
An authentic paper currency will fluoresce when it is illuminated by long wave ultraviolet light.
How can you tell if you receive counterfeit money? ›
Examine the serial numbers.
Make sure that the serial numbers on a bill match, and look at them carefully. Fake bills may have serial numbers that are not evenly spaced or that are not perfectly aligned in a row. If you received multiple suspicious bills, see if the serial numbers are the same on both bills.
What is used to identify fake banknotes? ›
A counterfeit banknote detection pen is a pen used to apply an iodine-based ink to banknotes in an attempt to determine their authenticity. The ink reacts with starch in wood-based paper to create a black or blue mark but the paper in a real bill contains no starch, so the pen mark remains unchanged.
How can you tell if a $50 note is counterfeit? ›
Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the right of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the text USA 50 and a small flag in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows yellow when illuminated by ultraviolet light.
What should you do if you find or suspect a note is counterfeit? ›
Reporting Suspected Counterfeit Currency
If you are an individual, submit suspected counterfeit currency to your local police department. Police departments, banks, and cash processors will submit suspected counterfeit currency to the Secret Service.
What is the name of the method used to quickly determine if a note is counterfeit or genuine? ›
Such guides offer a “feel-look-tilt” test which can be used to examine any banknote as a counterfeit detection technique. 1. Feel. Printed on security paper containing cotton and linen fibers, authentic banknotes feel crisp and thick.
Which wave is used to detect fake currency notes? ›
Correct option a Ultraviolet wavesExplanation:Ultraviolet waves or UV rays are used for detecting fake and forged currency. The paper currency has a strip that is embedded in the note. This strip cannot be forged like that in the original currency.
