What Color Does a Bill Turn When It’s Fake?
Protect your finances by learning to confidently identify counterfeit currency and the proper actions to take with suspicious bills.
Counterfeit money impacts individuals, businesses, and the economy, leading to financial losses for those who unknowingly accept it. Staying vigilant when handling cash helps protect you from counterfeiting. Understanding how to identify genuine currency from fraudulent notes is important.
Understanding the Counterfeit Detection Pen
A common method for initial screening involves the use of a counterfeit detection pen, which relies on a chemical reaction to identify suspect bills. These pens contain an iodine-based solution designed to interact with the paper composition of banknotes. When the iodine solution comes into contact with starch, a substance found in most wood-based papers, it triggers a distinct color change.
If a bill is genuine, the mark made by the pen will typically remain pale yellow or appear clear, sometimes turning a light amber color. This occurs because authentic United States currency is printed on a unique blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen fibers, which is naturally starch-free. Conversely, if the bill is counterfeit and printed on common paper containing starch, the pen mark will turn a dark color, usually black, dark brown, or dark blue. This immediate color change serves as a quick indicator of a potentially fake bill.
Despite their widespread use and convenience, counterfeit detection pens have limitations. Sophisticated counterfeiters may attempt to bypass this test by bleaching the ink from lower-denomination genuine bills and reprinting them with higher denominations, or by using starch-free paper. Therefore, while these pens offer a quick initial check, they are not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other verification methods.
Other Ways to Identify Counterfeit Currency
Beyond the detection pen, genuine currency incorporates several other security features. Authentic U.S. currency has a distinct, slightly rough feel due to its cotton-linen composition and intaglio printing. Counterfeit bills often feel smoother. Raised printing is also present on genuine bills, detectable by running a fingernail over areas like the portrait’s vest.
Visual elements provide additional security. A watermark, an embedded image matching the portrait, is visible from both sides when held to light. A security thread, a thin embedded strip, also becomes visible, containing microprinted text and glowing under ultraviolet light. Color-shifting ink, on $10 and higher denominations, causes the lower right numeral to change color when tilted.
Microprinting, tiny text requiring magnification, is found around the portrait and on security threads. Genuine U.S. currency also has small red and blue fibers woven directly into the paper. Printing quality on real bills is exceptionally sharp, with crisp borders and well-defined portraits and seals, unlike the often blurry appearance of counterfeit notes. Examining multiple features provides a more reliable assessment of authenticity than relying on a single check.
What to Do if You Encounter a Suspected Counterfeit Bill
If you suspect you have received a counterfeit bill, it is important to act responsibly to prevent its further circulation. First, do not return the suspicious bill to the person who passed it to you. Attempt to delay the individual if possible, and discreetly observe and remember details about their physical description, as well as any vehicle information like license plate numbers.
Handle the bill as little as possible to preserve any potential evidence, placing it into a protective covering such as an envelope or plastic bag. Promptly report the suspected counterfeit currency to your local police department or directly to the U.S. Secret Service.
You may be asked to provide details about how and where you received the note. Knowingly passing a counterfeit bill is a federal crime, even if you did not create it. Convictions can result in imprisonment for up to 20 years and substantial fines. There is typically no financial compensation for turning in a counterfeit bill, as you will likely lose its value.