Identifying counterfeit money can be challenging and counterfeiters are continually improving their techniques. We want to help you protect yourself from accepting counterfeit money and experiencing a loss. There are several security features on genuine banknotes that you can use to help spot counterfeit money.
Here are some tips on how to identify counterfeit currency:
- Feel the paper: Genuine currency is typically printed on special paper that has a distinct texture and feel. It should feel slightly rough to the touch, not smooth or glossy like regular printer paper.
- Check for watermark: Hold the banknote up to the light to see if it has a watermark. A watermark is a faint image or pattern that becomes visible when you hold the bill up to the light. The watermark should match the portrait on the bill.
- Look for security threads: Most genuine banknotes have a thin, embedded security thread that runs vertically through the bill. Hold the bill up to the light, and you should see the thread with text or a denomination repeated on it.
- Examine the color-shifting ink: Some denominations have ink that changes color when tilted. For example, on the new U.S. $100 bill, the “100” changes from copper to green when tilted.
- Inspect the microprinting: Genuine banknotes often have tiny, intricate text that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. Use a magnifying glass, if necessary, to check for microprinting.
- Feel for raised print: On most modern banknotes, certain elements, like the denomination or the Treasury seal, have raised ink that you can feel with your fingers.
- Check for ultraviolet (UV) features: Under a UV light source, genuine banknotes may display fluorescent patterns or markings. Counterfeit notes may not react the same way under UV light.
- Verify the security thread’s location: Ensure that the security thread is in the correct location for the denomination of the banknote. Different denominations may have different positions for the thread.
- Examine the holograms or color-shifting images: Some newer U.S. notes, have holograms or color-shifting images that change when you tilt the bill.
- Be cautious of irregularities: Look for any irregularities, such as blurred or uneven printing, missing security features, or unusual colors. Counterfeiters often make mistakes that can be detected upon close inspection.
- Compare with a genuine note: If you suspect a bill may be counterfeit, compare it with a known genuine note of the same denomination and series. Look for differences in design, size, and security features.
- Trust your instincts: If something about a banknote doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and exercise caution.
If you believe you have received counterfeit money or are unsure about a banknote’s authenticity, contact your local law enforcement for assistance. Handling counterfeit money is illegal, and it’s crucial to report it to the authorities.
FAQs
Feel the paper: Genuine currency is typically printed on special paper that has a distinct texture and feel. It should feel slightly rough to the touch, not smooth or glossy like regular printer paper. Check for watermark: Hold the banknote up to the light to see if it has a watermark.
What are 3 things you should do if you suspect you have received counterfeit currency? ›
What to Do if You Receive Counterfeit Money
- Do not return it to the passer.
- Delay the passer if possible.
- Observe the passer's description, as well as that of any companions, and the license plate numbers of any vehicles used.
- Contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office.
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.
How to spot fake 20 notes? ›
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'.
What is the number one way to identify fake currency? ›
Feel the paper: Genuine currency is typically printed on special paper that has a distinct texture and feel. It should feel slightly rough to the touch, not smooth or glossy like regular printer paper. Check for watermark: Hold the banknote up to the light to see if it has a watermark.
How would you detect counterfeit money as a cashier? ›
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.
What is used to detect fake currency? ›
The chemical'omran' is used to print in 'Intaglio' which looks bright. Intaglio will be missing in counterfeit notes. For a genuine currency note, the number panel will be regular and when scrutinized against ultra violet rays, the letters printed with fluorescent ink shine.
What are the methods of counterfeit money? ›
BANKNOTE COUNTERFEITING TAKES PLACE IN SEVERAL STAGES: (1) THE ACQUISITION OF APPROPRIATE PAPER, (2) THE RENDERING OF WATERMARKS (OFTEN LEFT OUT), (3) THE REPRODUCTION OF SECURITY MARKS, (4) THE ACTUAL IMPRINTING (TODAY MOST FREQUENTLY THROUGH OFFSET TECHNIQUES) AND NUMBERING OF BILLS.
What happens if you use counterfeit money without knowing? ›
Key Takeaways: Making or using fake money is a serious crime that can get you up to 20 years in jail. Both federal and state laws punish counterfeiting, and fines can be very high. You must know the money is fake to be guilty; if it's an accident, you might not be charged.
How to spot a fake 5? ›
When tilted, you should see the word “Five” change to “Pounds”. New £5 notes have a see-through window. You should be able to clearly see the Queen on the front and the words “£5 Bank of England” printed twice around the edge. Over the window you should see a gold image of the Elizabeth Tower on the front.
Printing. Raised print is used in some of the features on genuine banknotes and should feel slightly rough to the touch. Lines and print should be sharp and well defined with no blurred edges. Colours should be clear and distinct – not hazy.
How can you tell if a $100 bill is counterfeit? ›
Security Thread
Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.
How to tell if a $20 bill is counterfeit? ›
It only takes a few seconds to check the security features of the $20 note. To know it's real, just feel the paper, tilt the note, and check with light. Hold the note to light to see a faint image of Andrew Jackson to the right of the portrait. The watermark is visible from both sides of the note.
How can you tell the difference between real and fake dollars? ›
A US dollar bill's serial number should be printed in the same ink color, size, and font as the Treasury Seal. It's probably a fake if the serial number is altered or missing. Furthermore, the serial number on the bill's front and back must match. The bill is definitely counterfeit if the numbers don't match.
