Workplace Safety

How to Check For Counterfeit Part 2

Written by Jay Shapiro for Gaebler Ventures

This is part 2 of a 2 part piece on how to check for counterfeit. It includes addictional warning signs issued by the United States Treasurer.

The United States Treasurer has also stated other security features that can be found on the legitimate bills, they are as follows:

Ultraviolet Glow: When each bank note is held up in ultraviolet light the following will happen - if the notes are genuine:

• A $5 bill gives a BLUE glow
• A $10 bill gives an ORANGE glow
• A $20 bill gives a GREEN glow
• the $50 bill will glow YELLOW
• and if a $100 is genuine you will see RED

Microprinting: With genuine money minute text or microprinting appears on the bank notes security threads: Here's what you will see on each note if it is a real one:

• $5 bill - USA FIVE
• $10 bill - USA TEN
• $20 bill - USA TWENTY
• $50 bill - USA 50
• $100 - USA 100

Microprinting is also featured around the portrait.

Fine Line Print Patterns: Fine lines are included behind the portrait on genuine bank notes; they are also on the reverse side so this makes them more difficult to reproduce.

By Comparison: Compare suspicious bank notes with ones that are known to be genuine. Pay attention to the paper's texture.

If you think you have been given a counterfeit bill it is important to keep the following in mind and try to stick these procedures: These are based on the advice of the U.S. Treasurer.

• Never put yourself or your staff in danger.
• Don't give the counterfeit bill back to the person who passed it to you.
• Find a way to delay the person who passed you the note.
• Make an observation of the passer - and any companions. Get as much description as possible; their vehicle registration plate would be useful if you can get it.
• Get in touch with the local police department. Alternatively call the local branch of the Secret Service.
• Write your own initials and the date inside the white bordered area of the suspicious or counterfeit note.
• Avoid getting your fingerprints on the note. Put it in a protective covering: a polythene bag or an envelope will suffice. That way you are not damaging any evidence that might be useful to the Secret Service or the forensic department. Suspect notes can be mailed to the closest Secret Service office.

If you are given a fake note, you own it. That's why it's really important that you advise those who deal with cash on your behalf or on behalf of your company are fully aware of how to protect themselves. Thankfully it's not something that happens every day, and vigilance will ensure you avoid it altogether.

Jay Shapiro is a freelance writer based in the UK. Jay has a particular interest in the emotive aspects of the entrepreneur's character. "Alongside the nuts and bolts of business, the character of the person is often the ingredient responsible for success."

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