The Integrity News
Vol. XI No. 24 ISSN 1081-2717 September 17, 2002
September 10, 2002
"Counterfeit Money"
"Technology has been a boon to
counterfeiters and raised the risks
for business owners. Here's a guide
to spotting fakes for you and your
staff."
The Portrait:
If the note is the real McCoy, the image will
be lifelike and stand out from its surroundings.
Unlike a bona fide note, the counterfeit will
almost always appear flat and uninspired,
with details often merging into a background
that is too dark or appears mottled.
Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals:
On a genuine bill, the saw-tooth points of the
Federal Reserve and Treasury seals are clear,
distinct, and sharp. The counterfeit seals may
have uneven, blunt, or broken saw-tooth points.
Border:
The fine lines in the border of a genuine bill are
clear and unbroken. On the counterfeit, the
lines in the outer margin and scrollwork may
be blurred and indistinct.
Serial Numbers:
Genuine serial numbers have a distinctive style
and are evenly spaced. The serial numbers are
printed in the same ink color as the Treasury
seal. On a counterfeit, the serial numbers may
differ in color or shade of ink from the Treasury
seal. Also be on the lookout for notes with
serial numbers that are unevenly spaced or
aligned.
Paper:
Genuine currency has tiny red and blue fibers
embedded throughout. Counterfeiters often try
to simulate these fibers by printing tiny red
and blue lines. Close inspection reveals, however,
that on the counterfeit note, the lines are printed
on the surface and are not an integral element
to the paper. Since it is illegal to reproduce the
distinctive paper used for U.S. currency, the fibers
--- or their absence --- can be the most telling
indicator.
|
|