How to identify real US dollars: 4 tips to distinguish counterfeit USD bills.

With the increasing prevalence of international transactions, the use of US dollars (USD) has become familiar to many Vietnamese people – from business and tourism to personal savings. However, this also comes with the risk of encountering counterfeit money , especially when transacting outside of banks or in the free market.

Detecting and dealing with counterfeit money not only helps protect your assets but also prevents you from breaking the law . According to US regulations, producing, possessing, or using counterfeit money is a crime punishable by hefty fines or imprisonment for up to 20 years if the intent is to commit fraud. Even if you accidentally receive a counterfeit bill, you must return it to the authorities – under no circumstances should you circulate it.

In this article, you will be guided on how to quickly check whether a dollar bill is real or fake with the naked eye, along with the most important security features on each common denomination.

Secret 1: 5 security features to help you identify genuine US dollar bills.

Sign 1: How to check the security thread on a genuine dollar bill

One of the most important signs to distinguish genuine US dollar bills from counterfeit ones is the security thread – a thin plastic strip located inside the bill, not printed on the surface. Here's a simple way anyone can identify them:

• Hold the banknote up to the light source:
  For all denominations of $5 and above , you will see a thin plastic thread running from top to bottom of the bill. The $1 and $2 bills do not have this security thread.

• Location of the security fiber:
  This thread is embedded in the paper , running along the left side of the Federal Reserve Seal . You can only see it clearly when held up to the light.

• Text printed on the security thread:
  The plastic strip has the word "USA" and the denomination of the banknote printed on it.

  • For the $10 and $20 bills , the denomination is written in words (TEN, TWENTY).

  • For the $5, $50, and $100 bills , the denomination is indicated by numbers (5, 50, 100).

• Anti-counterfeiting features:
  Each denomination has a different security thread placement , which helps prevent the bleaching of lower-denomination banknotes and their subsequent reprinting as higher-denomination notes .

• How to read the text on a security fiber optic cable:
  You can read this text from both sides of the banknote , but it's only clearly visible when viewed under strong light – this is a characteristic unique to genuine currency.

Sign 2: Check for genuine dollar bills using ultraviolet (UV) light.

An effective and quick way to distinguish between real and counterfeit US dollar bills is to use ultraviolet (UV) light . Under this special light, the security thread on real bills will glow in a color characteristic of each denomination , while counterfeit bills usually do not glow or only show a pale white color .

Below is a chart showing the standard luminescence colors of genuine dollar bills when viewed under ultraviolet light:

• 5 USD bill: glows blue

• 10 USD bill: glows orange.

• 20 USD bill: glows green.

• 50 USD bill: glows yellow

• The $100 bill glows pink.

If you examine a banknote under ultraviolet light and it remains white , it is very likely counterfeit .

Practical tip:

• When inspecting, dim the surrounding lights to make it easier to observe the color of the light emitted.

• A specialized handheld ultraviolet lamp should be used (easily available online or at currency testing shops).

• Test in a dry place, away from strong light , to ensure accurate results.

Sign 3: How to check for watermarks on genuine dollar bills

One of the most easily recognizable and reliable ways to distinguish genuine US dollar bills from counterfeit ones is the watermark . This detail is embedded in the paper material , not printed on the surface, and is only visible when viewed under natural light .

Here are the detailed instructions:

• How to check:

  • Hold the banknote up to a natural light source or a white light bulb .

  • Observe the area to the right of the portrait on the banknote — you will see a faint mark aligned with the face on the genuine banknote.

• Characteristics of watermarks:

  • From the 1996 series onwards , the $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills all feature a watermark portrait that matches the person printed on the banknote .

  • 5 USD bill:

    • The 1999–2006 series features a watermark of Abraham Lincoln's portrait .

    • From the 2006 series onwards, a large "5" was used as a watermark instead of a portrait.

  • The watermark is actually embedded in the paper , so it's visible from both sides of the banknote , rather than being embossed or stamped onto the surface.

• How to identify counterfeit money:
  If the watermark is missing, or if it is blurry, misplaced, or embossed on the paper – it is very likely counterfeit money .

Sign 4: Check for color-changing ink on genuine dollar bills.

One of the most modern and difficult-to-counterfeit features of genuine US dollar bills is color-shifting ink – a special ink that changes color when the bill is tilted under light. This is an extremely useful identifying feature that you can easily check with the naked eye.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• How to check:

  • Hold the banknote at eye level, then gently tilt it back and forth under natural light or a white lamp .

  • Observe the denomination number printed in the bottom right corner of the front of the banknote.

  • If it's real money , you'll see the color of the numbers change noticeably when you change your viewing angle.

• The banknotes have color-changing ink:

  • The $100, $50, and $20 bills: applicable from the 1996 series onwards .

  • The $10 bill: features color-changing ink from the 1999 series onwards .

  • Bills of $5 or less: this feature is not yet available .

• Color changes over time:

  • In older versions, the color-changing ink shifted from green to black .

  • In the new designs, the color scheme shifts from copper to green – a more noticeable and vibrant change.

• Signs that suggest counterfeit money:
  If the ink doesn't change color when tilted , or the color change is too blurry and unnatural , it's very likely that the banknote is not genuine .

Sign 5: Check the micro-printing details on genuine dollar bills.

A subtle but highly effective feature in distinguishing genuine from counterfeit US dollar bills is micro-printing . These are extremely small letters or numbers , almost invisible to the naked eye , and can only be read with a magnifying glass or other magnifying device .

Here's a simple and reliable way to check:

• Location and characteristics:

  • Since 1990 , banknotes with denominations of $5 and above have featured additional micro-printing details in certain locations.

  • These locations can vary depending on the series , so you don't need to remember the exact spot — just know that genuine banknotes definitely have microprinting .

• How to identify them:

  • Use a magnifying glass or a phone camera with high zoom to inspect it.

  • You will see small, sharp, clear lettering , often phrases like "USA" or the denomination of the banknote .

  • When viewed with the naked eye, this area appears as just a thin line or a small, subtle pattern .

• Distinguishing counterfeit money:

  • Counterfeit money typically lacks micro-printing details , as this printing technique requires highly sophisticated technology and precision .

  • Some counterfeit bills may try to imitate the real thing, but the lettering is often smudged, blurry, or smudged , not as sharp as real money.

Secret 2: How to distinguish counterfeit USD bills with the naked eye: 4 simple tips

Tip 1: Check the print quality and paper of genuine dollar bills.

When distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit US dollar bills , the printing quality and paper structure are the two factors that most clearly show the difference. Genuine US currency is produced using proprietary printing technology that cannot be replicated using ordinary printing techniques.

Here are some important points you should pay attention to:

• 1. Observe the sharpness of the printed image:

  • Genuine banknotes have sharp, clear details and a slight raised feel to the touch.

  • Counterfeit money is often flat, lacking depth , with blurry or slightly smudged lines, especially around the edges of designs and portrait faces .

  • The printing technique used in genuine banknotes creates a subtle embossed effect (intaglio printing) that digital or offset printing machines cannot replicate.

• 2. Inspect the small details and edges:

  • Carefully examine the small print, the patterned border, and the denomination number — if it appears blurry, broken, or lacks sharpness , it is likely counterfeit.

• 3. Look closely at the colored threads on the paper:

  • Every genuine US dollar bill has tiny red and blue threads embedded within the paper , not printed onto the surface.

  • With counterfeit money , fraudsters often print or redraw these lines, making them stand out on the paper and easily recognizable if examined closely or scratched lightly.

• 4. Tactile sensation:

  • Genuine banknote paper has a characteristic thickness and slight roughness , unlike the smooth surface of regular printing paper.

  • When gently crumpled, real banknotes do not become soft or wrinkle quickly , thanks to being made from cotton and linen fibers rather than wood pulp.

Tip 2: Check the outline and seal on genuine dollar bills.

One of the easily overlooked but crucial details when distinguishing genuine from counterfeit US dollar bills is the border and the printed seal . This area most clearly shows the difference in printing technology between real and fake money.

Here's how to check:

• 1. Observe the outer border of the banknote:

  • Genuine banknotes: clear, continuous borders without breaks, and sharp, even printing .

  • Counterfeit money: the edges are often blurry, misaligned, or have broken lines in places , due to printing techniques that do not achieve the same high accuracy as genuine money.

• 2. Check the Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals:

  • On genuine banknotes , the serrated edge around the seal has a sharp, even, and clearly defined point .

  • On counterfeit money , these serrations are often blunt, crooked, or uneven ; upon close inspection, they appear to lack sharpness and be slightly smudged .

• 3. Identifying ink bleeding:

  • Genuine banknotes are printed using a special technique that ensures the ink adheres firmly to the paper , preventing it from smudging even after prolonged circulation.

  • Counterfeit money is often printed using inkjet or digital printers , which makes the ink prone to smudging or bleeding , especially around the edges and small details .

• 4. Quick check tips:

  • Use a magnifying glass or a strong light to carefully examine the outlines and seals.

  • If you see blurred, uneven, or smudged edges , it's almost certain that the banknote is not genuine .

Tip 3: Check the portrait on a genuine dollar bill.

The portrait on the banknote is one of the most difficult details to counterfeit , yet it's also easy to spot if you look closely. With genuine US currency, each printed line is meticulously crafted using special printing technology that ordinary printers cannot replicate .

Here are some specific signs to look for:

• 1. Observe the portrait as a whole:

  • Real money: the faces of the characters (like Lincoln, Hamilton, Jackson, Grant, Franklin…) are highly detailed, with clear lighting and natural depth . Upon closer inspection, you'll see individual strands of hair, folds of clothing, and subtle shadows .

  • Counterfeit money: portraits are often blurry, faded, or flat , lacking depth. Many bills also have smudged ink , causing the face to blur or blend into the background , not standing out like on genuine bills.

• 2. The effect of portraits appearing more prominent:

  • On genuine banknotes , when you touch the portrait area, you will feel a slight roughness and raised texture due to the intaglio printing technique.

  • Counterfeit money printed digitally or photocopied will be smooth, flat, and lack any raised feel .

• 3. Inspect with a magnifying glass:

  • Use a magnifying glass to carefully examine the border around the portrait . You will see the tiny inscription "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" repeated along both sides of the border .

  • To the naked eye, this detail looks like just a thin line , but through a magnifying glass, the letters will appear clear and sharp.

  • This detail is virtually impossible to reproduce using standard office printers or printing equipment.

• 4. Signs of counterfeit money:

  • If the portrait is blurry, flat, or lacks raised detail , the border lacks fine lettering , or the lettering is smudged or broken , it is very likely counterfeit money .

Tip 4: Check the serial number on genuine dollar bills.

The serial number is one of the most important and easily verifiable details for detecting counterfeit US dollar bills . Each genuine bill has a unique serial number , printed precisely, clearly, and in the same color as the US Treasury Seal.

Here are some signs to help you identify it quickly:

• 1. Location of the serial number:

  • Each genuine dollar bill has two sets of serial numbers located on either side of the central portrait on the front of the bill.

  • These two sequences must match perfectly – if there is even a difference of one character, it is definitely counterfeit money .

• 2. Color of the serial number:

  • On genuine banknotes , the ink color of the serial number must perfectly match the color of the U.S. Treasury Department seal (usually green or dark blue depending on the series).

  • If the serial number's color is darker or lighter than the seal , the banknote may be counterfeit or have been altered .

• 3. Uniformity and spacing between characters:

  • Genuine banknotes: the characters in the number sequence are printed in a straight line, evenly spaced and balanced .

  • Counterfeit money: often has misaligned, uneven , or crooked lettering due to the use of generic printing techniques.

• 4. Check multiple sheets at once:

  • If you're in doubt, compare the serial numbers between multiple banknotes of the same denomination .

  • Genuine banknotes: each note will have a completely different serial number .

  • Counterfeit money: fraudsters often print counterfeit bills with the same serial number in bulk , so if you see two bills with the same serial number , they are definitely fake .

Tip 3: Distinguishing counterfeit money by feel: How to touch to know if it's real money.

Method 1: Feel the paper quality and printing surface of a genuine dollar bill.

One of the easiest yet most effective ways to distinguish between real and fake US dollar bills is by the feel of the banknote in your hand . With a little attention, you can clearly tell the difference between the distinctive material of real money and the ordinary paper used for printing counterfeit bills .

Here are some points to note:

• 1. The feeling of holding a banknote:

  • Genuine banknotes are stiff, durable, and slightly rough , not soft like regular printing paper. Even after use, genuine banknotes retain their crispness and do not become limp or soft.

  • Counterfeit money: often unusually soft, slippery, or smooth , easily folded, easily wrinkled, and lacking the elasticity of cotton-linen.

• 2. Material composition:

  • Genuine US currency is made from 75% cotton and 25% linen , not from wood pulp like regular printing paper.

  • This type of paper is not sold commercially , and the chemical composition of both the paper and ink is a national secret , making it almost impossible to perfectly counterfeit .

• 3. Feel the raised ink:

  • Genuine banknotes: use intaglio printing technique , which gives the printed details a slight raised effect that you can clearly feel when you run your hand over them .

  • In particular, the portrait area and the collar of the vest are the easiest places to feel the difference — try gently dragging your fingernail across this area , and you'll see distinct raised ridges , something that counterfeit money cannot accurately replicate .

• 4. Durability over time:

  • Genuine banknotes: durable, tear-resistant, able to withstand high humidity, and can circulate for many years.

  • Counterfeit money: quickly deteriorates, tears easily, or the ink smudges after a short period of use.

Method 2: Check the thinness and brittleness of a genuine dollar bill.

A subtle but very useful indicator of genuine US dollar bills is their thinness and brittleness . This is a factor that counterfeiters find very difficult to replicate, as it depends on a special printing process and the immense pressure involved in producing genuine currency .

Here are some points to keep in mind when checking:

• 1. Feel the thinness of the banknote:

  • Genuine banknotes: are usually thinner and feel solid in the hand , not as thick and bulky as regular printed paper.

  • Counterfeit money: is usually slightly thicker , because fraudsters use a blend of cotton and fiber paper or high-quality photocopy paper , which still cannot achieve the thinness and elasticity of real money.

• 2. Reasons for the difference:

  • When printing real banknotes, the process of pressing ink and paper together is done under pressure of thousands of pounds , which compresses the surface tightly, creating the characteristic thinness and brittiness .

  • Conventional printing techniques cannot replicate this pressure, which is why counterfeit money is often thick, porous, and lacks sharpness .

• 3. The feel when holding it in your hand:

  • Genuine banknotes have a slight crispness, are flexible and smooth to the touch , not stiff or porous.

  • Counterfeit money can be soft, thick, or stiff , sometimes feeling like photocopy paper or drawing paper.

• 4. Quick check tips:

  • Compare the suspicious banknote with a genuine banknote of the same denomination that you are certain has a legitimate source.

  • Simply by comparing them by hand , you'll immediately notice the difference in thickness and "brittleness" between a real banknote and a fake one.

Method 3: Compare the suspicious banknote with a genuine banknote of the same denomination and serial number.

One of the most practical and effective ways to determine whether a dollar bill is real or fake is to directly compare the suspicious bill with a genuine bill of the same denomination and series (year of issue) . This method doesn't require specialized equipment but yields very accurate results if you pay attention to the feel and printing details.

Here are the specific instructions:

• 1. Compare the face value and year of issue correctly:

  • Each denomination of dollar bill (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 USD) has a unique design , so you should compare the suspicious bill with a bill of the same denomination .

  • Additionally, since 1990 , most denominations (except for $1 and $2) have been redesigned at least once , so choose genuine bills from the same series (print year) for easy comparison.

• 2. Observe the differences in color and detail:

  • Genuine banknotes: the printing details, colors, portraits, and numerals are all clear, well-proportioned, and have depth .

  • Counterfeit money: often has uneven tones, blurry or disproportionate details in the small patterns.

• 3. Feel the difference in texture:

  • When you hold the two banknotes in your hands, you will immediately feel the difference in crispness, thinness, and roughness .

  • Whether it's a banknote issued 50 years ago or one printed recently , genuine money feels the same —solid, slightly textured, and characteristic of cotton-linen.

  • Counterfeit money will feel thicker, softer, or smoother when compared directly.

• 4. Practical tips:

  • If in doubt, examine both banknotes under the same light source , or at the same angle, to compare the color-changing ink effect and watermark .

  • Small differences in the security thread, seal, or serial number can also make it easier to spot counterfeit money.

Tip 4: Detecting counterfeit money: How to handle it legally and avoid penalties.

Method 1: Absolutely do not counterfeit or circulate fake US dollars.

Besides knowing how to identify genuine money , you also need to understand the legal consequences of accidentally or intentionally handling counterfeit money. In the US (and many other countries, including Vietnam), counterfeiting, possessing, or using counterfeit money is a serious violation of the law .

Here are some important things to remember:

• 1. The act of making or using counterfeit money is illegal:

  • Under U.S. federal law , if proven intent to defraud , you can face hefty fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years .

  • Even if you accidentally receive counterfeit money , intentionally circulating it to others is considered a crime.

• 2. What to do when counterfeit money is discovered:

  • If you suspect a banknote is counterfeit, check it immediately and remember who gave it to you .

  • Absolutely do not reuse , spend, or forward to others.

  • If you are certain it is counterfeit money, you must hand it over to the competent authorities , such as the US Secret Service or the local police if you are in Vietnam.

• 3. Why is reporting necessary?

  • Failing to declare counterfeit money not only inadvertently breaks the law , but also puts you at risk of being reported by others if they discover the counterfeit bills in your possession.

  • Returning counterfeit money is a legal and moral obligation that helps prevent the spread of counterfeit currency in the community .

Method 2: Remember the person who delivered the counterfeit money.

• Stay calm and try to buy time: if you suspect the money, subtly delay the person giving it to observe and remember the details.

• Note physical characteristics: height/shortness, hair, clothing, estimated age, facial features, birthmarks—the more specific the better.

• Observe accomplices or companions: the person giving the money may have friends assisting them; remember them.

• Note the license plate number and vehicle type if available: take a quick photo or write down the license plate number, color, and vehicle type — this information is extremely useful.

• Don't jump to conclusions: the person who handed over the money could be a victim of fraud; avoid making outright accusations.

• Linking the person delivering the money to the bill immediately: many stores check the money as soon as they receive it, helping to link who handed over which bill.

• Instant note-taking: whenever you have free time, write down every detail you remember — details fresher than when they just happened are more valuable.

• Avoid violent confrontation: if the situation is tense, prioritize safety and call authorities or security.

Method 3: Contact the authorities when you discover counterfeit money.

If you determine a dollar bill is counterfeit or suspicious , the most important step is to immediately contact the relevant authorities for proper legal action.

• 1. Contact the local authorities:

  • In the United States, you can call your local police or the United States Secret Service office .

  • Phone numbers and addresses are usually listed in phone directories or easily found online .

• 2. Prepare the information before calling:

  • Record details about the banknote : denomination, serial number, and any suspicious characteristics.

  • Record the time, location, and person who delivered the money, if applicable.

  • If you have any photos or physical evidence , be prepared to provide it to the authorities.

• 3. Comply with instructions from the authorities:

  • Do not spend or transfer counterfeit money without authorization.

  • Hand over the banknote and related information as instructed by the police or Secret Service.

  • This helps protect you from legal liability and prevents the spread of counterfeit money .

Method 4: Do not handle suspicious funds directly — store and hand them over safely.

• Stay calm and avoid touching the banknotes directly with your hands.

• If you have touched the banknote, do not rub or wipe it to avoid destroying the markings (fingerprints, chemicals).

• Place the banknote in a protective container: an envelope, a zip-lock plastic bag (sandwich bag), or a clean paper bag — ideally, wear gloves when handling it.

• Label the envelope directly (do not write directly on the banknote): date, time, location, who delivered it, and who found it.

• Seal and keep separate: store the banknote in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from contact with other objects to preserve the crime scene.

• Do not attempt to clean, sunbathe, or sample chemicals on-site — any intervention could destroy forensic evidence.

• Take a photo of the bag and the location where it was found (without touching it directly) to keep as additional evidence.

• Documenting the chain of custody: who took the item, when, and to whom it was transferred — this is crucial when reporting to authorities.

• When contacting authorities, hand over the bag along with the note and evidence; follow instructions to ensure legal safety and preserve evidence.

Method 5: Write down your personal information on the suspicious money or its packaging.

To ensure clear evidence and legal liability , you should note down your personal information and the time you discovered the counterfeit banknote.

• 1. Write on the packaging:

  • Use a smudge-proof pen to write the initials of the name and the date of discovery on the envelope or plastic bag containing the banknotes.

  • Avoid writing directly on the banknote unless absolutely necessary, to prevent invalidating its legal value or damaging the evidence.

• 2. If it is mandatory to write on the banknote:

  • Write only on the white border , avoiding any security details, colored threads, seals, or portraits.

  • Write concisely and clearly : for example, “TP – 08/10/2025”.

• 3. Note the purpose:

  • The date helps determine when counterfeit money was detected .

  • The initials help identify who discovered it .

  • This information helps authorities link the banknote to the finder and the chain of events .

• 4. Combine with the previous steps:

  • Once the information has been recorded, seal the container and hand it over to the authorities as instructed.

  • Keep supporting records (who gave it, location, circumstances) to create sufficient evidence .

Method 6: Fill out the U.S. Secret Service counterfeit money report form.

When handing over a suspected counterfeit dollar bill, you must complete the Department of Homeland Security's "Counterfeit Note Report" for official verification. This is a mandatory step for the bill to be officially considered counterfeit unless proven otherwise .

• 1. Find and download the report template:

  • The report template can be downloaded here: Secret Service Counterfeit Form

  • Each suspicious banknote requires a separate form to be filled out.

• 2. Information to fill in:

  • Details of the banknote: denomination, serial number, suspicious characteristics.

  • Information of the person who found it: name, contact information, role (individual or bank employee).

  • Time and location where the banknote was found.

  • The person who gave the money (if known) and any other relevant details such as the means of transport and accomplices.

• 3. In the case of banks:

  • This template is designed for bank employees , but individuals can also use it .

  • If you find a banknote at the bank and you are an employee: contact your manager , fill out the form with your job and bank information.

• 4. After filling out the form:

  • Seal the banknote along with the report form in a protective envelope.

  • Hand over to the Secret Service or local police as instructed.

  • This report form helps authorities confirm that the banknote is counterfeit and protects you from legal liability .

Option 7: Hand over the counterfeit money to the authorities.

Once a counterfeit dollar bill has been identified and all necessary preparations completed, the final and crucial step is safely handing it over to the authorities .

• 1. Who is eligible to receive counterfeit money?

  • Only hand over to legally identified police officers or U.S. Secret Service agents .

  • Do not entrust the task to any unauthorized individual to avoid legal risks.

• 2. Provide detailed information:

  • When handing over the money, convey as much information as possible :

    • Who gave you the banknote?

    • Were there accomplices or companions?

    • Time, place, and circumstances of receiving the money.

  • This information helps authorities investigate and prevent the spread of counterfeit money .

• 3. Notes regarding refunds:

  • You will not be reimbursed for the value of the counterfeit banknote .

  • This regulation aims to prevent abuse : no one should receive real money simply because they possess counterfeit money.

• 4. Combine with the previous steps:

  • Before submission, the banknote should be sealed in a protective envelope along with a note and a report form .

  • This process preserves evidence and protects you from legal liability .

A detailed guide to identifying real and fake US dollar bills for non-experts.

Genuine US dollar bills are designed with many sophisticated security measures , from the paper material, ink, border patterns, portraits, to the security threads and micro-printing . Understanding these features helps you detect counterfeit money safely and accurately. Below is a summary of the characteristics of genuine bills and legal considerations :

1. Observe the outline and pattern.

• Genuine banknotes: the outer edges and small details are clear, continuous, and not broken or blurry .

• Counterfeit money: the edges, borders, and patterns may be blurry, smudged, or broken .

• Note: Always compare the differences ; if the banknote differs in any detail from a genuine banknote of the same denomination, it is most likely counterfeit.

2. Pay attention to ink and portraits.

• A true portrait: vibrant, striking, and distinct from the background; subtle details of hair, clothing folds, and shadows.

• Fake portraits: flat, bland, blending into the background, lacking detail.

• Micro-printing: on new bills, for example, the $100 note, there is a small inscription "The United States of America" ​​on Franklin's lapel, which cannot be reproduced with a regular printer .

• Note regarding ink: not all banknotes with smudged ink are counterfeit; banknotes without smudged ink are not guaranteed to be genuine.

3. Check the security thread, watermark, and security thread.

• Security fiber: runs along the banknote, visible when held up to the light ; different denominations have different positions for this fiber.

• Watermark: a hidden image that appears when viewed under light, matching the portrait on the banknote .

• Raised bills: counterfeit money can be "cleaned and reprinted" from lower denominations; compare the position of the security thread and watermark with genuine bills to detect them.

4. Materials and printing techniques

• Genuine banknotes: made from cotton and linen fibers , durable, brittle, slightly rough, and do not tear easily .

• Counterfeit money: the paper is soft, thicker, or smooth and easily wrinkled.

• Intaglio printing: the ink is raised on the banknote, clearly felt by hand, especially in the portrait and design areas.

• The ink has very weak magnetic properties and is only used in automatic money counting machines; it is not a common method for detecting counterfeit money.

5. Check for new features on the banknote.

• EURion Constellation: Special markings on the new banknotes (from 2004 onwards) cause photocopiers to refuse to copy them .

• Water test: Real money will not be damaged when wet, while counterfeit money will often smudge ink and tear .

6. Use comparative methods.

• Compare the suspicious banknote with a genuine banknote of the same denomination and serial number .

• If the suspicious note differs from any other detail: border, portrait, watermark, security thread, ink — the likelihood of it being counterfeit is very high .

7. Do not counterfeit money; handle cases of receiving counterfeit money.

• The act of making, possessing, using, or circulating counterfeit money is illegal .

• US federal penalties: fines and up to 20 years in prison if proven intent to commit fraud .

• Safe steps to take when receiving suspicious money:

  1. Do not touch directly ; place the banknote in an envelope/plastic bag.

  2. Record the following information : date, time, receiving location, and delivery person.

  3. Fill out the Counterfeit Note Report form (Secret Service).

  4. Hand it over to the police or Secret Service agents ; do not spend it.

  5. Observe the person delivering the money if possible, noting their characteristics, license plate number, and any accomplices.

• If necessary, consult a lawyer to understand your responsibilities and legal evidence.

References

1. https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
2. https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/100
3. https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
4. https://www.secretservice.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2020-12/KnowYourMoney.pdf
5. https://www.secretservice.gov/investigations/counterfeit
6. https://mycreditunion.gov/financial-resources/counterfeit-money

Translated by: Rene Lee Nguyen .