The circulation of counterfeit money is a growing concern, with tens of millions of fake dollars estimated to be in use. Distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit currency is becoming increasingly challenging. For everyone, not just financial institutions, understanding How To Know Fake Money is crucial. Knowingly using counterfeit money for transactions can lead to severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Recent reports indicate a rise in counterfeit bills, urging individuals and businesses to be extra vigilant.
In late 2023 and early 2024, several businesses reported receiving counterfeit bills, including $5, $20, and notably $100 denominations. Some of these fakes were crudely made, marked with disclaimers like “Motion Picture Use Only.” However, more sophisticated counterfeits, particularly of $100 bills, attempt to mimic security features such as embedded ribbons and watermarks, often by layering thin, waxy paper.
Key Security Features: How to Identify Fake Money
Banks are equipped to detect counterfeit currency. But it’s equally important for individuals to be able to identify fake bills. Here are essential methods, as recommended by law enforcement, to help you learn how to know fake money.
Check for Color Shifting Ink
Tilt the banknote back and forth while focusing on the ink. On genuine US banknotes of $5 and higher, produced after 1996, the ink should visibly change color. Depending on the angle, it should shift from green to copper, or copper to green. This color shifting ink is a key security feature to check when learning how to know fake money.
Feel for Raised Printing
Run your fingernail gently across the surface of the bill, especially over areas with images and denominations. Authentic banknotes have raised printing, which you can feel as distinct ridges, particularly on the portrait and surrounding areas. This tactile check is a quick method to assess if you are handling real currency or a fake.
Examine Print Quality and Micro-text
Carefully inspect the borders, portraits, and text on the bill. Real banknotes are produced with intricate micro-printing that is exceptionally sharp and clear. Even under magnification, the printing and micro-text should be crisp and readable. Blurry borders, images, or text are red flags and indicate potential counterfeit. Learning to recognize this level of detail is vital in how to know fake money.
Look for Security Threads
Hold the bill up to a light source to check for embedded security threads. Authentic US bills have these thin, embedded threads running vertically. The thread’s position varies by denomination, and when viewed under UV light (blacklight), it should glow a specific color unique to each denomination. This is a sophisticated security feature that counterfeiters often struggle to replicate effectively.
Verify the Watermark
By holding the bill to the light, you should also be able to see a watermark. On newer banknotes, this watermark is a portrait that matches the main face on the bill. Older bills might have a simpler, faded-looking spot as a watermark. If there is no watermark, or if the watermark portrait doesn’t match the bill’s face, it’s highly likely to be counterfeit.
Security Ribbon on New $100 Bills
For the redesigned $100 bill, there’s an advanced security ribbon. This is a blue 3-D ribbon that runs vertically down the bill. When you tilt the bill, images of bells within this ribbon should appear to move from side to side. This feature is unique to the new $100 bills and is a strong indicator of authenticity.
To deepen your understanding of how to know fake money, the U.S. Secret Service provides a comprehensive guide titled “Know Your Money.” This resource offers visual examples of the security features of each denomination, aiding in the identification process.
What to Do If You Suspect a Counterfeit Bill
Receiving a counterfeit bill can be unsettling. Here’s what you should do if you think you’ve been given fake money:
Remember Details of the Transaction
Immediately try to recall details about the person who gave you the bill and the circumstances of the exchange. If it was a face-to-face transaction, note any descriptions, vehicle information, or companions involved. This information can be valuable if further investigation is needed.
Minimize Handling and Secure the Bill
Handle the suspect bill as little as possible to preserve potential fingerprints or DNA. Place it in an envelope and mark it clearly as “suspected counterfeit.” This careful handling is important for potential law enforcement investigation.
Confirm Authenticity with Authorities
Take the bill to your bank, credit union, or local police department to have it examined. These institutions have the expertise and tools to verify whether the bill is genuine or counterfeit. They can also guide you on the next steps if it is indeed fake.
By understanding these methods and staying informed, you can protect yourself from the risks associated with counterfeit currency and confidently know how to know fake money. Vigilance and awareness are your best defenses in ensuring the money you handle is genuine.
