Recognize that looking at the security features of a bill, such as watermarks or raised areas, is usually enough to detect fakes without the aid of a device. [5] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Be aware that most countries or regions, such as the European Union, have series of bills in circulation issued after specific dates. Notes are often taken out of circulation as counterfeiting gets more sophisticated, but also because the average life span of notes varies. [6] X Research source Check out resources such as the US Currency Education Program (CEP) or the European Central Bank to learn more about the design, legal status, and life cycle of bills, as well as how you can spot fakes. [7] X Research source
Portraits or images Watermarks Colored or color-shifting ink Security thread or ribbon Serial numbers.
Run your finger along the note’s surface. Many currencies, including the dollar and Euro, have raised printing, which gives them their special texture. [9] X Research source
Research central bank sites for specific portrait information. For example, Benjamin Franklin appears on the $100 note and is slightly off center. In India, you’ll find Mahatma Ghandi on most notes.
Put each side of the bill up to a window that has access to sunlight and make sure you can see the watermark on both sides before using it. [12] X Research source Consider using other sources of light such as a UV-light or a lamp and use the same procedure to check for the watermark.
Look for the ink on the face of bills and recognize color-shifting ink and holograms by tilting the bill back and forth. If you can’t find this, the note may be counterfeit. Be aware that some smaller note denominations may not have the same security features as larger notes.
Look for clear or colored threads that are embedded in notes. In some cases, this feature may only be visible when held to light. Check with the state’s central bank to see if there are further special features with security threads. For example, threads in US dollars glow with the number of the denomination under UV-light.
Check with the central bank of any country you’re visiting for information on serial numbers. For example, the United States provides data on the serial numbers of dollars. You can similarly get this information from countries like Thailand and India as well as the European Union. [16] X Research source
See if you can detect any differences between the notes by sight. Look at both sides of each bill. This may confirm your suspicion that you received counterfeit money. Place the authentic bill on top of the suspicious bill. Hold them up to the light, which may expose any differences between the notes. Make sure to report any counterfeit money and the person from who you received it to your local authorities. [18] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source If you do not know the person who passed you the money, provide the authorities with any information you can that may help them apprehend the counterfeiter. [19] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
Be aware that detector pens are not foolproof, but work in many cases because their active ingredient, which is an iodine solution, reacts with wood-based paper. [21] X Research source Realize that a detector pen may leave a pastel mark on an authentic bill and that it will fade within a day. [22] X Research source This can help you identify which bills you’ve checked. Purchase counterfeit detector pens at most large retailers or office supply stores. They generally cost around $5 and can check up to 3,000 bills. [23] X Research source
Recognize that there is a wide variety of counterfeit detecting machines a broad range of price points. Buy the type of machine according to the type of work for which you need it. Machines can do everything from detecting watermarks and other features with UV-light to detecting magnetic strips and magnifying micro-printing feature. [24] X Research source Place a stack of bills into the machine and it will self-feed and alert you if it discovers Buy your machine at a large retailer or office supply store. You can ask other businesses or colleagues if they have any suggestions on good models.
Choose a model appropriate to your needs. You may want to consider self-feed scanners or hand-held UV-lights that illuminate security features. You can buy UV scanners at many large retailers and office supply stores.
Explain to the bank manager that you are concerned money you received is counterfeit but are not sure how to tell. Ask if the branch can verify the money and then follow any suggestions the staff has if they discover fake notes. Remember to be kind and provide any information you can about the origin of the notes.
Money counting machines utilize ultraviolet, RGB, and infrared waves to confirm that every aspect of a unique bank note is exactly as it should be. [26] X Research source
