How To Know If Money Is Real and What To Do If It’s Fake
Learn how to verify genuine currency and protect yourself from counterfeit bills. Discover actionable steps to ensure your money is real.
Being able to identify genuine currency is important for daily transactions. While modern counterfeiting methods exist, the U.S. Treasury continually incorporates advanced security features into its banknotes. These features allow for easy detection. Familiarity with these elements helps protect individuals and businesses from financial loss.
Identifying Core Security Features
Genuine U.S. currency possesses distinct qualities that can be checked quickly. The paper itself is not made from wood pulp like ordinary paper; instead, it consists of a unique blend of 25% linen and 75% cotton, giving it a crisp, slightly rough feel. Small red and blue security fibers are randomly embedded throughout this paper, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
Running a finger over the portrait and other key areas on a genuine bill reveals raised printing, a result of the intaglio printing process. This tactile sensation is a subtle but consistent indicator of authenticity. Counterfeit bills often lack this distinct texture, feeling flat or smooth.
Holding a bill up to a light source will reveal a faint watermark, which is usually a duplicate of the portrait for denominations $10 and higher, or two numeral “5” watermarks on the $5 note. This image is visible from both sides of the note.
An embedded security thread runs vertically through the note and is also visible when held to light. This thread glows a specific color under ultraviolet (UV) light, with each denomination having a distinct glow color. Text, such as “USA TEN” or “USA 100”, is also visible within the thread.
Finally, the color-shifting ink on the numerical denomination in the lower right corner changes color when the bill is tilted. For example, on $10 bills and higher, this number shifts from copper to green. This optical variable ink is difficult to reproduce accurately by counterfeiters.
Exploring Denomination-Specific Features
Beyond the core security elements, higher denomination banknotes incorporate additional features that enhance their security. The $100 bill, for instance, includes a blue 3-D Security Ribbon woven into the paper, not printed on it. Tilting the note causes images of bells and “100s” along this ribbon to move from side to side.
The $100 bill also features a Bell in the Inkwell, an image of a bell inside a copper-colored inkwell. This bell changes from copper to green when the note is tilted, appearing to vanish into the inkwell.
Microprinting, tiny text that appears as a thin line to the naked eye, is another advanced security feature found on denominations $5 and higher. This text, which can be phrases like “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” or the denomination, is located in various areas such as around the portrait or within the borders. Magnification may be needed to confirm its clarity.
Responding to Suspected Counterfeit Currency
If you suspect you have received a counterfeit bill, it is important to take specific steps to protect yourself and assist law enforcement. Do not attempt to return the bill to the person who gave it to you, as this could lead to further complications. Passing on counterfeit currency, even unknowingly, is illegal.
Limit handling of the suspected counterfeit note to preserve any potential evidence. Place it in a secure envelope or bag. Observe and remember any distinguishing features of the person who gave you the bill, as well as the date, time, and location of the transaction.
Contact your local police department or the U.S. Secret Service to report the suspected counterfeit currency. You should be prepared to provide all the information you gathered, including how you received the bill and a description of the passer. Local police departments will typically collect the suspected counterfeit note and submit it to the Secret Service for investigation.