How do I determine if a banknote is genuine? What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?
The best way to determine whether a note is genuine is to rely on the security features, such as the watermark and security thread. Counterfeit detection pens are not always accurate and may give you false results. To learn about these and other security features in genuine Federal Reserve notes, visit the U.S. Currency Education Program website.
It is important to know what the security features are in genuine currency, because if you end up with a counterfeit note, you will lose that money. A counterfeit note cannot be exchanged for a genuine one, and it is illegal to knowingly pass counterfeit currency.
If you live in the United States and you think you've received a counterfeit note, immediately notify the local police. Try to remember 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. Store the suspect counterfeit apart from genuine currency and release it as soon as possible to law enforcement authorities.
If you live outside the United States and want to report counterfeit currency, you should notify the U.S. Secret Service field office in your region. The Law Enforcement section of our currency education website, www.uscurrency.gov, offers contact information for U.S. Secret Service field offices around the world.
Related Information
www.uscurrency.gov
Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
Related Questions
I received a suspicious-looking e-mail that claims to be from the Federal Reserve. Is it a scam?
FAQs
A UV lamp which emits light at around 365 nanometres is ideal for checking the fluorescent features on all our notes.
Which is the best method of checking if a note is counterfeit? ›
A UV lamp which emits light at around 365 nanometres is ideal for checking the fluorescent features on all our notes.
How can you tell if a note is counterfeit? ›
A suspect banknote may feel excessively thick or thin compared to a genuine banknote. It is difficult to start a tear along the edge of a genuine banknote. You can also try scrunching the banknote in your hand – a genuine banknote should spring back.
What is the best way to detect a counterfeit bill? ›
How can you tell if money is fake?
- Check for color shifting ink. ...
- Check for raised printing. ...
- Look closely for blurry borders, printing, or text. ...
- Look for red and blue threads in the bill. ...
- Check the watermark. ...
- Check for the security thread. ...
- Check new $100's for security ribbon.
Feel the paper: Genuine currency is typically printed on special paper that has a distinct texture and feel. It should feel slightly rough to the touch, not smooth or glossy like regular printer paper. Check for watermark: Hold the banknote up to the light to see if it has a watermark.
How to tell if a 100 is counterfeit? ›
Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.
Can a bank tell me if a bill is counterfeit? ›
Banks use counterfeit detector pens to examine security features on banknotes. These pens contain ink that reacts differently when applied to genuine paper versus counterfeit currency.
How to check if money is legit? ›
- Evaluate the Feel of the Paper.
- Check for Color-Shifting Ink.
- Study the Watermark.
- Look for Raised Printing.
- Check the Serial Number.
- Look for the Fibers.
- Look for the Plastic Strip in the Bill.
- Looking for Microprinting.
To spot counterfeits, look for the absence of features like security threads, UV properties, watermarks, and color-shifting inks. Fake bills can sometimes have a few of these features, but it's difficult to replicate all of them perfectly.
How to check money serial number? ›
A quick look at any U.S. banknote will show you a serial number. Those printed before 1995 have serial numbers consisting of eight digits sandwiched between two letters, like A12345678B. Today, only $1 and $2 bills follow this form, according to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing.
Capture an image of your banknote with either the front-facing or back-facing camera on your mobile device. Once the denomination has been detected, the app will display the key security features that are visible on genuine currency.
Is there an app that can detect money? ›
Easily identify banknotes with Cash Reader! Just point your camera at any bill from over a hundred supported currencies and hear its value instantly. Key Features Loved by Our Users: Fast and Precise Identification: Recognizes even small portions of banknotes.
Can a bank ATM detect fake money? ›
First, the ATM's validator determines the dimensions of the banknote and scans it in different spectrums: visible, magnetic, IR, UV. It allows to verify all major signs of authenticity. With the help of magnetic sensors, the validator checks the presence and correct location of magnetic ink.
What marker is used to detect counterfeit money? ›
SIMPLE TO USE - The counterfeit pen detects fake bills with a small line. A black line indicates the cash is fake. A gold line means the bill is genuine. PROTECT YOUR PROFITS - Detecting just one counterfeit bill pays for the whole 5-pack of pens.
How do banks check for counterfeit bills? ›
They use their eyes and hands to look for signs of counterfeiting, such as printing smudges or blurriness, inconsistent serial numbers, uneven edges, and other irregularities. Bank cashiers may also carefully compare the banknotes they receive with known genuine samples.
Which ray is used to detect fake notes? ›
Ultraviolet waves are used for detecting fake and forged currency .
