1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. Crime / Punishment

How To Detect Counterfeit Money

By , About.com Guide

1 of 8

What to Look for in the Portrait

Portrait

Portrait

Secret Service
Look at the money you receive. Compare a suspect note with a genuine note of the same denomination and series, paying attention to the quality of printing and paper characteristics. Look for differences, not similarities.

The genuine portrait appears lifelike and stands out distinctly from the background. The counterfeit portrait is usually lifeless and flat. Details merge into the background which is often too dark or mottled.

Explore Crime / Punishment

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Weird Breaking News

A daily look at some of the oddest (and dumbest) crimes around. More >

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. Crime / Punishment
  4. Crime Prevention
  5. How To Detect Counterfeit Money>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.