It’s an unsettling thought, but according to the U.S. Department of Treasury, around $70 million in fake bills are circulating right now. The sophistication of counterfeiters is increasing, making it harder than ever to distinguish real currency from fakes. Knowing how to identify counterfeit money isn’t just for banks and businesses; it’s crucial for everyone. Attempting to use counterfeit money, even unknowingly, can lead to serious legal trouble, including hefty fines and even imprisonment. As law enforcement agencies have noted an increase in counterfeit currency cases, especially involving everyday denominations like $5, $20, and even $100 bills, vigilance is key to protecting yourself from financial loss and legal repercussions.
Key Security Features to Check on Your Bills
Fortunately, the U.S. currency incorporates several security features designed to deter counterfeiters. By knowing what to look for, you can confidently identify genuine banknotes. Here are essential checks to perform:
Check for Color-Shifting Ink
For bills $5 and higher produced after 1996, a key security feature is color-shifting ink. Tilt the bill back and forth, and observe the ink in areas like the numeral in the lower right corner on the front of the bill. The color should visibly shift between green and copper, or copper and green, depending on the angle of light. This color change is difficult to replicate accurately with standard printing methods.
Feel for Raised Printing
Genuine U.S. currency utilizes an engraving process that results in raised printing. Run your fingernail gently across the bill, particularly over the portrait and along the borders. You should feel distinct, slightly raised ridges. Counterfeit bills, often produced using digital printing, typically lack this tactile element and may feel flat and smooth.
Examine for Sharpness and Clarity of Printing
Authentic banknotes are printed with incredibly fine lines and detail. Inspect the borders, portraits, and microprinting closely. The lines should be clear, sharp, and unbroken. Microprinting, which is tiny text often found in areas like borders or security threads, should be legible and crisp, even under magnification. Counterfeit bills often exhibit blurry edges, indistinct details, and illegible or missing microprinting.
Identify Red and Blue Security Threads
U.S. currency paper is embedded with tiny red and blue security threads. These threads are not printed on the surface; they are woven into the fabric of the bill itself. Look closely – you should see these distinct, randomly dispersed threads. Counterfeiters sometimes attempt to simulate these threads by printing them on the surface, but they will appear as solid lines rather than embedded fibers upon close inspection.
Verify the Watermark
Hold the bill up to a light source to examine the watermark. On banknotes series 1996 and later, the watermark is a faint image similar to the portrait on the bill and is visible from both sides. Older bills may have a simpler, less defined watermark. The watermark should be clearly visible and should be part of the paper itself, not printed on it. If there’s no watermark, or if it’s poorly defined or doesn’t match the portrait, the bill is likely counterfeit.
Locate the Security Thread and its Glow
Every denomination of U.S. banknote, except for the $1 and $2 bills, has a security thread embedded vertically within the paper. Hold the bill up to the light to see this thread. The thread’s location is denomination-specific. Furthermore, each thread glows a distinct color under ultraviolet (UV) light. For example, the thread in a $20 bill glows green under UV light. If the thread is missing, incorrectly placed, or doesn’t glow the correct color, the bill is suspicious.
New $100 Bill 3-D Security Ribbon
The redesigned $100 bill features an advanced security ribbon. This blue ribbon, located on the front of the bill, contains images of bells that and 100s that appear to move and shift from side to side as you tilt the bill. This dynamic 3-D effect is highly complex and extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
For a comprehensive visual guide to all U.S. banknote security features, the U.S. Secret Service provides an excellent resource called “Know Your Money”. This document offers detailed visual examples of the security features for each denomination.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have Received Counterfeit Money
Receiving a counterfeit bill can be concerning. Here’s what steps to take if you suspect 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 transaction. Note any distinguishing features, clothing, or vehicle information if applicable. This information can be valuable for law enforcement.
Minimize Handling and Secure the Bill
Handle the suspect bill as little as possible to preserve any potential fingerprints or other forensic evidence. Place the bill in an envelope, preferably a marked one, to isolate it and prevent accidental circulation.
Have the Bill Authenticated
Take the suspect bill to your local bank, credit union, or police department. These institutions are equipped to properly evaluate the currency and determine its authenticity. Do not attempt to deposit the bill into an ATM, as this could cause complications.
By staying informed about these security features and knowing what to do if you encounter a suspicious bill, you can protect yourself from counterfeit currency and contribute to preventing its circulation. Vigilance and awareness are your best defenses against counterfeit money.
