As a business owner, counterfeiting is a very real problem. Not only do you need to be able to know the difference between real and counterfeit U.S. currency, but your employees must have a thorough understanding as well.
Here are some simple tips to help in recognizing counterfeits before they enter your cash register.
Counterfeit Detection
- Feel: Counterfeit bills will feel different than real U.S. currency. Counterfeit bills are typically smooth with no raised ink.
- Color: If it feels suspicious, compare it to another bill. In a genuine bill, the paper is very high quality rag paper with small red and blue threads throughout. Counterfeit bills may have red and blue lines that are drawn to imitate the fibers. Also, the color may be faded because counterfeits lose their color easily.
- Face: The face should be very life-like with distinct lines, causing the image to almost pop off the background. In counterfeit bills, the lines tend to be blurred and may even blend into the background.
- Seal: The saw tooth points should be sharp and evenly spaced. In most counterfeits, the saw tooth points are broken, blunt, or uneven.
- Serial Numbers: The serial numbers should be clear and evenly spaced. Plus, on Federal Reserve Notes, the prefix letter agrees with the District letter in the seal.
- Border: The scrollwork should be sharp and unbroken, with fine crisscrossing lines. In most counterfeit bills, these lines are often blurred or broken.
What to do if you find a counterfeit bill
• Write your name and the date on it so you can find it later and set it aside.
• If you can remember where or from who you got the bill record this information.
• Notify the Secret Service Office or police department as soon as possible.
The Treasury Department will remove the bill from circulation and later use it as evidence for the prosecution of the counterfeiter.
If you would like to learn more about how to detect counterfeit bills or if you have any questions, contact Dunbar by calling 1.800.888.2129 or visit our website today!
“Securely Managing Your Cash and Valuables”
Family-owned since 1923, Dunbar is the largest independent armored car company in the nation dedicated to safeguarding your valuables. Founded on our core line of business – armored transportation services – and well known for our signature red and black armored trucks, we have grown to become the nation’s premiere full-service, wholly integrated security and cash management solutions provider.
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Sources:
How to Detect Counterfit Money