How to Identify Counterfeit Bills

It has recently come to our attention that there are counterfeit $100 bills circulating around the Northshore. The LRA wants to ensure restaurant owners/employees are familiar with the proper protocol for spotting a fake bill. 
 
If you suspect you are in possession of a counterfeit bill, examine it carefully. Compare the bill in question with a real bill of the same dollar amount and printing series. 
 
There are several factors to consider when trying to identify fake bills from real currency: 

• Portrait- the picture on the real bill looks authentic and sticks out against the background. The portrait on the fake bill usually looks flat and dull in color. 
• Federal Reserve & Treasury Seals- On real bills, the logos of the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals look distinct and look sharp and clear. Counterfeit versions of the seals could appear uneven, dull or have broken saw tooth points. 
• Border- The fine lines in the border of a genuine bill are clear and broken. On counterfeits, the lines in the outer margin and scroll work may be blurred and not clear. 
• Serial Numbers- Authentic serial numbers are unique in style and easily spaced. The serial numbers are printed in the same color of ink as the Treasury Seal. On fake bills, the serial numbers could have different colors or shades of ink as compared to the Treasury Seal. The numbers could also be unevenly spaced and disjointed.
• Paper- Genuine currency paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded throughout. Counterfeiters try to duplicate the fibers by printing them throughout the lines on the paper. However, under close inspection, it will show that on counterfeit bills, the lines are printed on the outer layer of the fake bills and are not ingrained into the paper. On lesser quality fake bills, a counterfeit pen can reveal the paper of the bills to fraudulent (but not always).
• Paper Features-  With every currency produced, a corresponding paper is manufactured. Banknote paper is made from cotton pulp, which gives it better durability than commercial papers and a very distinctive feel. Often the way a counterfeit bill feels causes someone to take a closer look. If banknote paper is held under ultraviolet light it is dull compared to commercial papers. 
• Watermark- The watermark is one of the most obvious features of a paper banknote. When held up to the light, an image can be seen in the paper, usually a portrait similar to that printed on the note. The image of the watermark is caused by different thickness of paper, with light areas on the mark being a result of less paper. The highlighted effect of "thin" paper is sometimes used as an added security effect in small specific areas within a watermark. A counterfeiter is very unlikely to manufacture his own paper. Watermarks can be simulated in some ways, but the effects are crude.
• Threads- Threads are embedded within the paper fiber and can be invisible or have a starburst effect. The thread appears to weave in and out of the paper when viewed from one side. However, when held up to the light the thread will always appear as a solid line. Features can be built into the thread material themselves. The thread is a difficult feature to counterfeit but counterfeiters have been known to print a thin gray line or a thin line of varnish in the area of the thread.

Watch this short video below to familiarize yourself with the steps on how to tell if you're carrying genuine currency.  Click here to learn more.