What Does Counterfeit Money Look Like?

Counterfeit money presents a challenge for individuals and businesses, as its acceptance can lead to financial losses. Understanding how to identify genuine U.S. currency is important for protecting against fraud. Vigilance and awareness of specific security features are the primary defenses against accepting fake bills.

Examining the Paper and Printing

Genuine U.S. currency possesses distinct characteristics in its paper and printing that are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. The paper itself is not typical wood-pulp paper; instead, it is a unique blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, giving it a crisp, slightly textured feel. This composition ensures the paper feels robust and durable, unlike the smooth or flimsy texture of common printing paper.

The quality of the printing on authentic currency is exceptionally sharp and clear. Fine lines, intricate details, and microprinting are precisely defined, without any blurring, smudging, or broken lines. Counterfeit bills frequently exhibit dull, blurry, or flat images, particularly in the portraits and around the borders. The borders on genuine bills are sharp and unbroken, contrasting with the often uneven or crooked appearance of counterfeit edges.

Raised printing, also known as intaglio printing, is another hallmark of authentic currency. This technique creates a tactile feel, especially noticeable on the portrait, numerical denominations, and certain text elements. This raised ink results from a specialized printing process difficult to imitate.

Microprinting, tiny text, is integrated into various parts of genuine bills. When viewed under magnification, this text, such as “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” or the denomination, should be clearly legible. Counterfeiters often struggle to reproduce microprinting with clarity, resulting in blurred or illegible text. Additionally, genuine U.S. bills contain tiny red and blue fibers embedded within the paper, visible upon close inspection. Counterfeiters may attempt to simulate these by printing or drawing them onto the surface, but a closer look reveals them to be on, rather than in, the paper.

Checking Embedded Security Features

U.S. currency incorporates several embedded security features designed to prevent counterfeiting, which often become visible when a bill is held up to light or tilted. One such feature is the watermark, a faint image that matches the portrait on the bill. This watermark is not printed on the surface but is embedded within the paper, making it visible from both sides when held up to a light source. A genuine watermark appears distinct and integrated, rather than a printed or faded spot.

Another security element is the embedded security thread, a thin, plastic strip running vertically through the bill. When held to light, this thread becomes visible and contains microprinted text, such as “USA” and the bill’s denomination. The location of this thread varies by denomination; for instance, on a $100 bill, it is to the left of the portrait. This thread is intentionally placed to be difficult for copiers to reproduce.

Color-shifting ink is a prominent feature on denominations of $5 and higher. The numeral in the lower right corner on the front of these bills is printed with ink that changes color when the bill is tilted. For example, the number might shift from copper to green. This optical variable ink creates a dynamic effect that is challenging for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.

Newer bills, particularly the $100 bill, incorporate a 3D security ribbon. This blue ribbon is woven into the paper and features images of bells and the number “100” that appear to move when the bill is tilted. The bells and 100s move in opposite directions to the bill’s movement, creating a sophisticated visual effect. This advanced feature is particularly difficult for counterfeiters to replicate convincingly.

Using External Tools for Verification

While visual and tactile inspections are important, external tools can provide further verification of a bill’s authenticity. Ultraviolet (UV) light is one such tool, revealing specific security threads embedded in the currency. Each denomination from $5 to $100 has a security thread that glows a distinct color under UV light:
A $5 bill’s thread glows blue.
A $10 bill’s glows orange.
A $20 bill’s glows green.
A $50 bill’s glows yellow.
A $100 bill’s glows red or pink.
The paper itself should not glow under UV light; if it does, it could indicate a counterfeit or a bleached genuine bill.

A magnifying glass can enhance the examination of fine details on currency. It allows for a closer inspection of microprinting, ensuring the text is sharp and legible rather than blurry. The magnifying glass can also help in scrutinizing the sharpness of lines and the overall precision of the engraving, which often appears less refined on counterfeit notes.

Counterfeit detector pens are available, but their reliability is limited. These pens contain an iodine-based solution that reacts with starch, which is present in common wood-pulp paper but not in genuine U.S. currency paper. If the pen mark turns dark brown or black, it suggests the presence of starch, indicating a possible counterfeit. However, some genuine papers or bleached legitimate bills might not react as expected, and some counterfeiters use paper without starch, making these pens an unreliable sole verification method.

Reporting Suspected Counterfeits

If you suspect you have received a counterfeit bill, specific actions should be taken to help law enforcement and prevent further circulation of fake currency. It is important not to return the suspected counterfeit bill to the person who passed it. Returning the bill could allow them to continue distributing fraudulent money to others. Immediately limiting handling of the bill is also advisable; try to hold it by its edges to preserve any potential evidence such as fingerprints.

Gathering details about the circumstances under which the bill was received can be valuable for investigators. Note the date, time, and location of the transaction, and if possible and safe to do so, observe and remember any descriptive information about the person who passed the bill, such as their physical appearance, clothing, or vehicle. This information can assist authorities in their investigation.

The next step involves contacting law enforcement. You should report suspected counterfeit currency to your local police department or directly to the U.S. Secret Service. The U.S. Secret Service is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating counterfeiting of U.S. currency.

You will likely be asked to surrender the suspected counterfeit bill to the authorities. It is important to understand that you will not be reimbursed for the value of the counterfeit bill. Reporting suspected counterfeits is a civic responsibility that helps authorities identify and dismantle counterfeiting operations.