| Whether altering the design of ancient coins or making photocopies
of bills with high-tech machines, counterfeiters have made illegal
money throughout history. The Secret Service, an agency of the U.S.
Treasury, has investigated suspected counterfeit operations since
1865. Over the past decade, the Secret Service has seized approximately
90 percent of all known counterfeit currency printed before it reached
circulation.
In the printing process, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
uses complicated techniques to stifle counterfeiters. Beginning
with the $100 bill in 1996, currency will be redesigned to include
more security features. The following pictures explain how the
Bureau protects your money.
Portrait
The portrait on the bill is a lifelike picture, distinctly different
from the screen-like background. Each portrait is only on one
denomination. For example, George Washington appears only on the
$1 bill, not on the $100 bill. Portraits on counterfeit
bills appear unclear or unnaturally white.
Feel of Paper
Money is printed on high-quality paper made of cotton and linen.
It has a strong "feel" to it, different from regular paper.
Border
The artwork along the side of the bill has intricate, crisscrossing
lines which are clear and unbroken. Lines in counterfeit bills
are often smudged or broken.
Threads
Bills have tiny red and blue fibers that are embedded inside the
bill.
Ink
The special "never-dry" ink that is used can be rubbed off. However,
this isn't a fool-proof test since ink on some counterfeit bills
also rubs off.
Recent Measures
Security Thread
Beginning with series 1990, a polyester thread, which can't be
reproduced by photocopiers, is woven inside $10, $20, $50 and
$100 bills. USA TEN, USA TWENTY, etc. is printed on it to match
the denomination.
Microprinting
"The United States of America" is printed in miniature letters
around the border of the portrait. To the naked eye the words
appear as a black line, which is also how photocopiers print them.
What to do if you have counterfeit currency
Since the consequences for passing counterfeit currency include
fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to 15 years, you need to
be careful. If you have a suspicious bill:
- Write your initials on the back so you can identify it later.
- On a separate sheet of paper write in detail how you got it:
- Who gave it to you.
- Where you got it.
- When you got it.
- Handle it as little as possible to preserve any fingerprints.
- Contact the nearest Secret Service office or local police.
You are not reimbursed for turning in counterfeit bills; however,
you protect yourself from trouble by following proper procedures.
See also:
Anti-Counterfeiting:
Security Features,
Know
Your Money,
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