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Detecting Counterfeit Bills

The document provides helpful hints for detecting counterfeit bills, including checking the denominations, security features, serial numbers, color-shifting ink, paper, security thread, watermark, and taking appropriate action if a counterfeit bill is discovered. Key security features to examine include seals, serial number alignment, color-shifting ink, security thread glow under UV light, watermark, and feel of the paper. Suspect bills should be reported to local law enforcement.

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mike
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130 views12 pages

Detecting Counterfeit Bills

The document provides helpful hints for detecting counterfeit bills, including checking the denominations, security features, serial numbers, color-shifting ink, paper, security thread, watermark, and taking appropriate action if a counterfeit bill is discovered. Key security features to examine include seals, serial number alignment, color-shifting ink, security thread glow under UV light, watermark, and feel of the paper. Suspect bills should be reported to local law enforcement.

Uploaded by

mike
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Helpful Hints for Detecting Counterfeit Bills

Know the Denominations

• There are 7 denominations in


circulation today
• 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar
notes
• Each denomination features an
American statesman on the front
and an image of the nation’s history
on the back.
Redesigning U.S. currency
• Older style notes are never
recalled, they are legal tender
until they are pulled out of
circulation due to detrition

• First major design change was in


1996

• Currency issued 2004 and newer


have enhanced security features
and incorporate subtle color
changes in to the background of
the note.
Tool to Detect a Counterfeit Note

•Knowledge of genuine currency

•Use a genuine note for comparison

•Your Hand

•Light (white or UV/ Blacklight)

•Marking pens not always accurate!


Check the Seal

A real dollar bill will


have Federal
Reserve and
Treasury Seals that
are clear, distinct
and sharp.

Seals on a
counterfeit bill may
have uneven, blunt,
or broken saw-tooth
points.
Serial Numbers
• Looking at the serial numbers is another way to detect
counterfeit money.
• Serial numbers on a note must be the same color as the
Treasury Seal.
• The numbers on counterfeit bills may not be uniformly spaced
or aligned.
• One sure way, however, to spot counterfeit bills is if several
bills have the same serial number.
Tilt the Note

• Tilt the note back and forth to


observe the color shifting ink

• Color shifting ink is located in


the right hand corner of the
denomination for bills 10.00
and higher

• The color will shift from


Copper to Green on issued
note dated 2004

• 100.00 note have an ink well


that will color shift when
tilted. The ink well has a bell
inside it and it will change
from copper to green when
shifted
Feel the Paper
• Genuine U.S. Currency
has a unique feel

• The note should feel


slightly rough to the
touch.

• Check to see if the note is


too soft or smooth, to
stiff, too thick or to thin.

If the note feels off to you,


you have the right to refuse
it. But if you know it is fake
then you have to report it.
The Paper
Real bills have tiny red and blue
fibers embedded in the paper, and
counterfeiters have tried to replicate
those.
Ink marks can be printed onto the
paper to look like hairs.
Counterfeiters have used cat or
human hair that is dyed red or blue
to embed into the bill. At close
inspection, however, it is clear that
the hairs are on the surface of the
fake bill and not embedded into the
paper.

But most people don’t even look for


the hairs anymore because you have
to look really closely. That is why the
government put bigger things to look
for in [the bills].
The Security Thread

• The security thread has a


unique glow when held to
a UV/Black light

• For series 2004


➢100.00 Pink
➢50.00 Yellow
➢20.00 Green
➢10.00 Orange
➢5.00 Blue
Check with a Light

• Check for the watermark and the security thread by holding a


light behind the bill.

• The watermark is visible from both sides of the bill and will
match to the portrait on the bill.

• The security thread is visible from both sides and will match
the denomination of the bill. Newer 100 dollar notes have a
shifting image strip that will move bells in the opposite
direction to how you tilt the bill.
What do you do if you have a
counterfeit bill?

• If you think you've received a counterfeit note, immediately notify the


local police.

• Place the bill in an envelope and write down 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 on the outside of the envelope. Also put the date and
time and place of your booth site.

• Store the suspect counterfeit apart from genuine currency and


release it as soon as possible to law enforcement authorities.

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