One of the oldest crimes in history is counterfeiting money, a growing problem with the growth of color printer and scanner technology. If you have a business or a shop, it is important to protect yourself from counterfeiting. Carefully review all banknotes received from customers and request appropriate identification before accepting checks. There are many things to consider when trying to identify fake money. The more familiar you are with money, the easier it will be to identify counterfeit banknotes.
Steps
Step 1. Compare 2 banknotes of the same denomination
Use a bill you received from a bank and the bill that looks suspicious.
See if you can find differences between the 2 banknotes. If so, this could confirm your suspicions
Step 2. Look closely at the images on each banknote
The images on the genuine banknote look sharp and clear. The contrast between the images and the background gives portraits a more authentic look. Portraits on a counterfeit banknote tend to blend in with the background, giving a less sharp and clear look to the image
Step 3. Evaluate the difference between the watermark in the banknotes
The watermark of the authentic banknote has sharp and clear markings. That of counterfeit banknotes is uneven, not very homogeneous and often blurred
Step 4. Place the two bills side by side and compare the edges
The edges of genuine banknotes are sharp and clear, while those of counterfeit banknotes yield, are unclear or easily tear off
Step 5. Check the serial number
Study the serial numbers printed on the banknotes. Each authentic banknote number has even spacing and a unique style. The serial number is printed in the same ink used for the Treasury seal
Step 6. Inspect the paper used for both bills
Genuine banknotes are created with paper made with interwoven fibers. Counterfeit banknote printers try to replicate this effect by printing small lines on the paper. The printed lines will be present directly on the surface of the card, not inside
Step 7. Beware of modified denomination banknotes
This happens with dollars, as counterfeiters often try to increase the denomination of banknotes (since dollars are all the same size).
- Pay close attention to the portrait, serial number and watermark on both sides. You will easily find differences in these areas.
- The number in the corners of the note must match the numbers on the back.
