“Show me the money!” is a well-known phrase uttered by characters in a popular film from 1996; however, visually checking and feeling money is a fool-proof way to prevent falling victim to counterfeit or fake bills.
Although NOAH has not fallen victim to counterfeiting, we have noticed an uptick in counterfeit bills circulating in the community. With that in mind, Workplace & Public Safety, along with our Finance team, has partnered with the US Secret Service and their U.S. Currency Education program to provide educational resource pamphlets for each clinic’s breakroom. Please take a moment to review the content below to avoid becoming a victim of counterfeiting at work or in your personal life.
Know Your Money
Familiarize yourself with the security features of genuine currency. Study details such as watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink. Genuine bills have distinct characteristics that are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.
Feel the Texture
Legitimate banknotes have a unique feel due to the combination of special inks and paper. Take a moment to feel the texture of the money in your hands. Counterfeit bills often lack the same quality, feeling smoother or different to the touch.
Inspect Watermarks and Security Threads
Hold the bill up to the light and look for watermarks and security threads embedded in the paper. Genuine bills will have these features, while counterfeit ones may lack the intricate details or show inconsistencies.
Check for Color-Shifting Ink
Some genuine bills have ink that appears to change color when tilted. Counterfeiters may struggle to replicate this effect accurately. Tilt the bill to see if the colors shift, especially on newer denominations.
Take Notice of Unusual Markings
Pay attention to any unusual markings, discolorations, or blurry printing on the bill. Genuine currency is produced with precision, and inconsistencies may indicate a counterfeit. Trust your instincts, and if something looks off, take the time to inspect it more closely.
Don’t Trust Counterfeit Detection Pens
Experienced counterfeiting rings will bleach existing $1 and $5 bills and reprint a higher denomination, such as $20, $50, $100 on them. Due to actual US currency paper being used, the pens will still indicate as true money even though the denomination has been changed.
If you think you have encountered a counterfeit bill, please report it to the Workplace & Public Safety Specialist on your campus or the 24/7 Emergency Workplace & Public Safety on-call number for further guidance. For more information on our Workplace & Public Safety Program, please contact NOAH Workplace & Public Safety at JSLAMA@noahhelps.org.
