Simple Ways to Detect High-Quality Counterfeit Money
The good news is there are simple ways to spot counterfeit bills, even if they look almost identical to real money. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Feel the Texture
Genuine banknotes have a distinct texture, usually rough or crisp, due to the cotton or polymer used in their production. Counterfeit bills may feel smoother or thinner than the real thing.
Tip: Run your fingers along the bill’s surface. A lack of texture is a strong indicator of a counterfeit.
2. Check the Watermark
Watermarks are one of the most important security features in modern banknotes. Hold a bill up to the light—real money will have a watermark embedded in the paper. Fake bills might not have this watermark or may have one that looks different.
Example:
The U.S. $20 bill features a watermark of Andrew Jackson, which is visible when held up to the light. If this watermark is missing or looks off, the bill is likely counterfeit.
3. Look for Microprinting
Microprinting is tiny text that appears on real banknotes but is too small to be seen without a magnifying glass. Counterfeit bills often fail to replicate this detail, so check closely with a magnifying tool if you’re uncertain.
4. Use UV Light or Detection Pens
Most counterfeits won’t pass UV light tests. Security threads in real bills glow under UV light, while fake notes do not. Similarly, counterfeit detection pens can help you spot fake bills by reacting to the ink used in counterfeit printing.
5. Inspect the Printing Quality
High-quality counterfeits may look perfect at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they often have blurry text or ink smudges. Check for any signs of irregularity in the fine details.