Could you spot counterfeit money?

Counterfeit currency is hard to spot – but you really need to check. 

Some businesses try to pass on the funny money to their customers so they don’t have to deal with it. If you’re caught passing it on, it’s a crime and could wind up being a huge hassle. If anyone ever challenges you on the authenticity of your bill, you’ll need to notify the police. It’s you’re best chance to recover the real deal. The U.S. Secret Service has some counterfeit characteristics to look for:

• The portrait. Compare it to another bill. The face on real currency stands out and fake bills will look more flat.

• The border. The fine lines on a real bill are very clear and sharp. Those details may be a bit blurred on bogus bills.

• The serial number. Genuine numbers are printed in the same ink as the Treasury seal and are evenly spaced. Counterfeit numbers may be a slightly different color or uneven.

• The paper. Real money paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded in it. Fake cash often has those fibers printed on.

If you’re making a transaction involving significant cash, be sure to do it at a bank. Have the person paying you convert the cash into a check or money order. If you do wind up with counterfeit money, you won’t be reimbursed. You may be able to recover your loss through your homeowner’s policy, without having to pay the usual deductible.