Get Counterfeit Note Report Guide

There is no financial compensation for the return of the counterfeit bill, but you will have the satisfaction of taking the correct action, and you will be helping combat counterfeiting.

One security feature of bills higher than $5 is they have color-shifting ink. When you tilt the bill, the denomination in the right bottom corner should change colors between copper and green. If the numbers do not change colors when you tilt the bill, it is counterfeit currency.

If you unknowingly present a counterfeit bill to a bank for deposit, they will confiscate the bill, reduce your deposit by the amount of the counterfeit bill, and initiate an inquiry and report. The bill will be sent to the U.S. Secret Service and you will be the loser.

Do not return it to the passer. Delay the passer if possible. Observe the passer's description, as well as that of any companions, and the license plate numbers of any vehicles used. Contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office.

A retailer, merchant, or individual may be defrauded by unknowingly accepting counterfeit currency. The person who uses counterfeit cash to purchase goods or services may be arrested and charged with a crime or crimes. A retailer, merchant, or individual may be defrauded by unknowingly accepting counterfeit currency.

Contact your local police department or call your local U.S. Secret Service Office. Write your initials and date in the white border area of the suspected counterfeit note. Do not handle the counterfeit note. Place it inside a protective cover such as a plastic bag or envelope to protect it.

Visit the Secret Service website to complete a Counterfeit Note Report or contact your local U.S. Secret Service field office. (Note: You must send the Counterfeit Note Report to your local U.S. Secret Service field office. Visit the U.S. Secret Service website for more information.)

Micro-printing can be found around the portrait as well as on the security threads. the bills will glow: the $5 bill glows blue, the $10 bill glows orange, the $20 bill glows green, the $50 bill glows yellow and the $100 bill glows pink. Hold the bill up to a light to check for a watermark.

Do not return it to the passer. Delay the passer if possible. Observe the passer's description, as well as that of any companions, and the license plate numbers of any vehicles used. Contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office.