U. S. Treasury uses many precautions to prevent counterfeiting and with good reason: in the United States, in fact, there are nearly nine million dollars in counterfeit banknotes. Almost every ten years, the $ 100 bill is redesigned, so the features you need to look for vary based on the minting date. Banknotes from 2009 and later have even more security measures than previous ones. The US $ 100 bill features Benjamin Franklin on the front and Independence Hall on the reverse.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Checking the Oldest Banknotes (Pre-2009)
Step 1. Check the date
The most recent $ 100 bills are those of the "2009 Series" and feature various security measures. The older ones are withdrawn, so as to prevent counterfeiters from deceiving people. However, they are still legal tender, so if you find one, don't immediately assume it's a fake. Check the date on the bill.
A $ 100 bill, on average, stays in circulation for seven years. As a result, nearly all older banknotes are out of circulation today. Either way, you may have one or more at home that you want to check out
Step 2. Tap the bill
The American currency is instantly recognizable to the touch, because it is printed on linen and cotton, not on paper. Also, the banknotes should have slightly embossed ink, a consequence of the minting process. If you handle money for work, you will quickly learn to recognize authentic banknotes by touch.
- However, this method is not foolproof. The most skilled counterfeiters bleach real banknotes and print on them.
- Despite this, counterfeiters struggle to reproduce the embossed effect of the print, so touching the banknote is still a good first step.
Step 3. Look for the security thread
$ 100 bills printed after 1990 should have a security thread on the left side, visible only when held up to the light. The words "USA" and "100" should alternate in the thread. If you hold the bill under a UV lamp, the thread glows pink.
Step 4. Check the microprint
In old banknotes this security measure was used. Use a magnifying glass to look for it and you'll see it appear at various points based on the year of manufacture.
- For example, on $ 100 bills printed between 1990 and 1996, the words "The United States of America" must appear on the outer edge of the portrait oval.
- For banknotes issued between 1996 and 2013, "USA100" must appear in the number 100 in the lower left corner. You should also read "The United States of America" on the left cuff of Franklin's coat.
Step 5. Look for the iridescent ink
Color-changing ink was used on $ 100 bills printed between 1996 and 2013. Tilt the bill into the light and look into the lower right corner. The number 100 should change from green to black.
Step 6. Find the watermark portrait
On banknotes printed after 1996 there is a watermarked portrait of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space on the right. The image should be very washed out, but still visible from both sides.
Step 7. Watch out for blurry edges
Real banknotes have clear, crisp lines, which are difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce. If you notice blurry letters or prints, you are probably handling a fake.
Step 8. Use a counterfeit money detection pen
This pen is sold on Amazon and costs € 5. Detect chemicals most often used by counterfeiters. However, the bad guys know about this method and have stopped using the chemicals detected, so the pen is not foolproof.
However, you can buy a pen with a UV lamp built into the cap for less than € 10
Step 9. Compare with another banknote
No security measures were used on banknotes printed before 1990. Consequently, the best way to check its authenticity is to compare it with another. If necessary, go to the bank to check if your note is genuine.
You can also visit the U. S. website. Currency and find pictures of old $ 100 bills
Part 2 of 3: Checking the Newest Banknotes (2009 Series and Later)
Step 1. Look at the serial number
It should match the series. You'll find it in the top left and bottom right corners. If it doesn't match the series, you are holding a fake.
- If the note is a 2009 series, the serial number must start with J.
- If the banknote is a 2009A series, the serial number must start with L.
Step 2. Touch Franklin's right shoulder
It is embossed on the new $ 100 bills. You should be able to feel it by touch.
Step 3. Look for the iridescent ink
You will see a large copper-colored inkwell to the left of the note's serial number. Inside the inkwell is a bell, which should change color from copper to green as soon as you tilt the note.
The number 100 next to the inkwell should also change color, just like it does on some old banknotes
Step 4. Hold the bill up to the light
You will see a thread to the left of Franklin's portrait. The letters "USA" and the number 100 alternate on the strip, which is visible on both sides of the note.
- If you hold the bill under a UV lamp, the strip should turn pink.
- You can also buy a fake detector that emits UV light, especially if you manage a lot of money for your business. A popular product is AccuBanker D63 Compact, which costs around € 50.
Step 5. Check the blue security tape
To the right of Franklin's portrait is a three-dimensional blue safety tape. Tilt the note side to side, observing the number 100 and the bells moving from side to side along with the note.
This ribbon is intertwined with the paper, it is not glued. Consequently, if the tape comes off the bill, it is a forgery
Step 6. Look for the watermark portrait
Hold the bill up to the light and look for the faded image of Benjamin Franklin in the white oval on the right side. You will be able to see the watermark portrait on both sides of the bill.
Step 7. Use a magnifying glass to find the microprint
Check around the collar of Franklin's jacket. You should read the words "The United States of America" in lowercase letters.
- You should also see "US 100" around the white space that contains the portrait.
- The words "100 USA" should also appear around Franklin's right pen.
Part 3 of 3: Reporting False Banknotes
Step 1. Keep the fake banknote
If you believe you have a fake, you should not return it to the person who gave it to you. On the contrary, try not to make it go away. He calls the manager and explains to the customer that he has to look at the bill.
Step 2. Write the details
While you wait, write down the person's main characteristics. Write down your age, height, hair color, eye color, weight, and other particular signs.
- If the person drove to your business, try to mark the license plate as well.
- Remember that the person who gave you the bill may not be a forger, so don't think you need to arrest or stop them. He could be completely innocent.
Step 3. Write on the bill
You should write your initials and the date in the white border around it.
Step 4. Don't handle the bill too much
You will need to hand it over to the police, who may be able to take fingerprints. For this reason, touch it as little as possible. Keep it in an envelope in the cash register.
Remember not to mix it with other bills. Instead, mark "fake" on the envelope so you can find it easily
Step 5. Call the police
You can find the local command number on the phone directory. Explain that you have a counterfeit $ 100 bill and give your location. They will explain how to proceed. Usually they will be called to investigate the secret services.
If you wish, you can give the communication directly to the secret services. You can find the local office at this address: https://www.secretservice.gov/contact/field-offices/. Enter your Zip Code
Step 6. Deliver the counterfeit banknote
Do this only after the person in front of you identifies as a police or intelligence officer. If you hand over the bill to the Secret Service, you may need to fill out a Counterfeit Note Report for each bill.
