Encountering fake money can be an unsettling experience, whether you're a business owner, a consumer, or just sorting through your wallet. With an estimated $70 million in counterfeit bills circulating in the U.S. alone, the need to discern real from fake is more crucial than ever. This comprehensive guide will explore effective tips to help you recognize fake money before it impacts your finances.
6 Tips to Identify Fake Money
The first line of defense against counterfeit money is knowing what genuine bills look like and how they feel. Currency in the U.S. has numerous built-in security features designed to make counterfeiting difficult. Here are several methods you can use to verify the authenticity of your cash.
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Cottonbro studio | Pexels | You should feel slightly raised surfaces if you run your finger along the portrait’s clothing or other textured areas of the bill
Feel for Raised Printing
One of the most distinctive features of U.S. bills is the raised printing. You should feel slightly raised surfaces if you run your finger along the portrait’s clothing or other textured areas of the bill. This is particularly noticeable where the portrait’s features meet the smooth surface of the bill.
Check for Color-Shifting Ink
Start by examining the color-shifting ink, a feature found on all denominations $5 and higher. When you tilt the bill, the numeral in the lower right corner should change colors—from green to copper on current bills. This quick check can be a clear indicator of the bill’s authenticity.
Inspect for Fine Printing Details
Look closely at the borders and text on the bill. Authentic bills showcase incredibly fine lines and sharp printing that counterfeit versions often cannot replicate. The micro-printing on genuine bills will remain distinct, even under magnification, whereas counterfeit prints might appear blurry or smeared.
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Alexander Mils | Unsplash | Authentic bills showcase incredibly fine lines and sharp printing that fake money cannot replicate.
Identify the Security Thread
Each denomination incorporates a thin vertical security thread embedded within the paper. This thread is visible when held up to light and will display the denomination of the bill. Under a blacklight, the thread should glow—blue for $5, orange for $20, and pink for $50 bills.
Watermarks and Security Ribbons
Newer bills enhance security through watermarks and security ribbons. When held up to light, look for a watermark reflecting the bill's portrait. This feature is absent in many counterfeit versions. The newest $100 bills include a 3D security ribbon woven into the paper, not printed on it. This ribbon displays bells and numbers that move as you tilt the bill.
Red and Blue Security Fibers
Genuine bills are made from a special blend of cotton and linen and include tiny red and blue security fibers embedded throughout the material. These are not printed on the surface but are part of the paper itself. Counterfeit bills may attempt to replicate this by drawing these fibers onto the surface.
What to Do If You Suspect Fake Money
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Karolina Grabowska | Pexels | To preserve any potential evidence, minimize handling the suspected fake money and place it in a protective envelope.
If you suspect you've received a counterfeit bill, it's important to handle the situation delicately. Avoid confronting the individual who handed you the bill directly. Instead, document as much information as possible about the transaction and the person involved, including physical descriptions or vehicle details.
Minimize handling the suspected counterfeit bill to preserve any potential evidence, such as fingerprints. Place the bill in a protective envelope and contact your local police department or take it to a bank. They can verify the bill’s authenticity and, if it's fake, will handle it according to the proper legal procedures.
Identifying fake money is vital to protect against financial loss and legal complications. By familiarizing yourself with the security features of currency and knowing what steps to take when encountering a counterfeit, you can safeguard your financial transactions effectively.