7 tips for spotting counterfeit money 

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7 tips for spotting counterfeit money 

Counterfeit money has been present since the introduction of the first forms of currency into society. For some time, it was very hard to tell the fake from real, especially as the forgers evolved in their ‘trade’. Fortunately for business owners, now there are machines to detect fake money instantly. But what if you don’t have one at your disposal?

Counterfeit money differs from the original currency in a variety of ways, and if you are familiar with the features of real money, you will be better able to recognize counterfeit banknotes if you come across them.

 Long story short, while counterfeit money is a major threat to businesses, you will still be able to detect whether someone has given you a false bill by inspecting its writing, its colors, and the printing characteristics altogether. There are also a variety of machines designed to identify counterfeit currency, such as counterfeit detectors or scanners.

In this article, we will show you how you can spot counterfeit money and the methods to protect your business. ​

Here is a list of tips on how to spot counterfeit money to help reduce the risk for your business to suffer losses. We chose the American dollar to show how you can spot the differences between a real banknote and a fake one.

1. Pay attention to the serial number

Original serial numbers have a distinct style and are regularly spaced. The serial numbers of the US dollar, for example, are printed with the same ink as the Treasury Seal. On counterfeit bills, the serial numbers may be written in a different color or tone of ink. Furthermore, the numbers may be oddly spaced and fragmented.

Another mistake some forgers commit is copying the same banknote they successfully forged. If by any chance, you get 2 banknotes with the same serial number, you know for sure that at least one of them is fake. 

2. Check for the color-shifting ink

A color-shifting ink on the denomination in the lower right corner of a $10, $20, $50, or $100 bill is another simple way to tell the difference between a fake and an actual one. The bell in the inkwell (placed to the left of the denomination) on $100 bills is likewise printed using color-shifting ink. The denomination and the bell are copper in color, right? Now tilt the bill, and the color changes from copper to green. This one-of-a-kind color-shifting ink was also utilized on certain older editions of these bills, although the color changes from green to black on older designs.

3. Check for the watermark

One of the most visible security elements of a paper banknote is the watermark. When the paper is held up to the light, an image, generally a portrait similar to the one printed on the note, can be seen. The image of the watermark is generated by varied paper thickness, with lighter parts on the mark resulting from less paper.

A watermark is a fantastic security feature. A counterfeiter is unlikely to produce his own paper. Watermarks can be simulated in a variety of methods, but the results are rudimentary.

4. Pay attention to the security thread

When the banknote is printed, the security thread is incorporated. When held up to the light, the vertical security thread is a darker tone line. The security thread rises to the surface at regular intervals, revealing its metallic sheen. Only when held up to the light is the entire thread visible.

One of the most distinct security signs of a genuine bill is the security thread. When you hold a real bill worth $5 or more up to the light, you will notice a security thread running vertically across the bill to the right or left of the portrait.

The security thread on the different denominations will glow under ultraviolet light in the following colors:
• $5 - blue
• $10 - orange
• $20 - green
• $50 - yellow
• $100 - red/pink 

5. Check the characteristics of the paper material and texture

The paper used for currency is made up of 25% linen and 75% cotton. Authentic banknotes also have little red and blue security fibers that are evenly scattered throughout the material of the bill.

Counterfeiters attempt to replicate this appearance by similarly printing red and blue threads on false bills. A close inspection will usually reveal that the "fibers" are just on the surface, indicating that you have a counterfeit on your hands. All Federal Reserve banknotes are made up of paper with security fibers inserted.

6. Better rely on technology? Use counterfeit detector pens

Another method to identify fake notes is the counterfeit detector pen. Retail businesses usually have a large number of cash transactions, so protecting yourself against fake currency should be a priority. Counterfeit pens can be used in just a few moments, helping you quickly determine if large bills are suspect or genuine. All you have to do is drawing an amber line on a note using the counterfeit detection pen to indicate that the currency is authentic, while a black line indicates that it may be suspicious. After application, the amber line fades.

7. Identifying bills with counterfeit detectors

Counterfeit detection has become an issue worldwide as it threatens the global economy and harms consumers. It is not easy for businesses and brands to prevent counterfeits from reaching their customers because it is difficult for companies or security services to identify counterfeits by themselves. This is why counterfeit detectors should be used by all types of companies.

 Counterfeit detectors are designed to spot fake money. For safety and security reasons, all businesses should take into consideration using these machines.

 These machines are one of the most effective techniques to identify counterfeits. The benefits of using counterfeit detectors over hand examination are that it eliminates the possibility of human error when studying bills, but also a decent detecting machine usually takes a second to evaluate a bill and inform you if it is real or not.

The United States dollar, the British pound and the Euro are the most counterfeited bills in the world. As the amount of cash in circulation grows, so does the number of counterfeits spread among businesses.

Our suggestion for counterfeit detection: EDGE DT-800

The Edge DT800 Money Counter is the perfect solution for a fast, accurate and reliable mixed-denomination and multicurrency note value counter. The machine has a counterfeit detection feature that will help your business to remain safe and secure.

EDGE 2 Pocket Bank Grade Mixed Denomination Value Counter Product Details:
 • High-capacity Hopper of 500-notes, Stacker 200-notes and a built-in Reject Pocket 100-notes.
 • Three counting modes CNT (Count Total number of bills), SDC (Single Denominations) and MDC (Mixed Denominations).
 • Adjustable speeds from 800 up to 1200 notes/min under CNT mode, simplifying the handling process and save time. • Easy to use features Auto/Manual count, Add, Batch, Add/Batch, Sort, face and orientation.
 • Multi-Currency Counter Machine pre-programmed to count and sort USD, CAD, MXN, EUR and GBP. It can support most of the currencies in the world (upon demand) and can be installed easily using a USB key.
 • On-screen report to keep track of the count, print and pull out a detailed receipt (compatible with DT50P ACE Printer).
 • Advanced bill counter with counterfeit detectors that protect businesses from counterfeits.
 • Serial Number Recognition and save/print function after each count
 • Two years Warranty (one-year Standard Warranty plus one year free extended warranty) against manufacturer defect & lifetime tech support.

Are you looking for a reliable mixed denomination bill counter?

DETECK is a company headquartered in New York, USA.

Our mission is to create a consistent stream of unique, new products that markedly enhance life at work and home, providing value and innovation that exceed our global customers' needs and expectations. ​ We offer our clients the newest products and innovative solutions introduced into the market each year. Our products are designed to save businesses money and improve efficiency. Our customers care about accuracy, security, convenience and efficiency.

We’d love to hear from you!

Frankly, our customers are the foundation of our company.We have a dedicated U.S. based support team to answer all your product related questions.

EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
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EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
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EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine
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EDGE DT800 2-Pocket Mixed Denomination Money Counting Machine

$1,500.00
$1,299.00
The Edge DT800 is the perfect solution for a fast and accurate mixed bill counter, sorter and reader with advanced counterfeit detection.

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 - While other Money Counting Machine can’t detect mix stack of bills, provide only quantity of notes & constantly report errors, the 2021 Edge DT800 is the perfect solution for a 100% accurate and reliable Mix Currency Counter Machine (USD,CAD,MXN,EUR,GBP); You can pull out a detailed on-screen report with grand total amount, quantity of bills & value by Denom. Connect it easily to printer (not incl.). We value your priorities

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 – If you deal with a large amount of cash and want to have a peace of mind, the Edge DT800 Money Counter with Counterfeit bill detection accurately scans notes for authenticity, providing maximum security using advanced sensors UV, MG, IR, MT, 2CIS and Serial number recognition; you will never have to worry again about fake bills confiscated by the bank. Operate with confidence

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 – Mixed value counting & sorting at the end of the day has never been smoother and faster, the Edge DT800 Cash Counting machine has a high capacity hopper and a built-in reject pocket which means all suspicious notes go straight to that tray; It means you can maintain a continuous count with no interruption especially if you sort bills by denomination, batch, face or orientation, all you have to do is plug it in and turn it on. Worth the money

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 – If you are tired of counting money by hand and want to save time to focus on your business without worrying about jammed or flying bills, DT800 Money Counter Mixed Denomination industry-leading roller friction system made in the United States and widened impeller will allow you to accurately count up to 1200 notes/min with no interruption; Its high-power motor provides a heavy-duty performance at max speed around the clock. It’s never been easier

𝟭𝟭𝟬% 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 - Deteck is a US-based company, we take pride in designing & delivering only premium money machine counter for North American Businesses; this product is backed by a 2yrs full warranty against defects & lifetime tech support (1-year standard manufacturer and 1 year free extended warranty upon activation - use code EW1). We have a dedicated US-based support team to answer all your questions. Take advantage of it
DETECK Money Counter SPARK
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DETECK Money Counter SPARK
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine
SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine

SPARK DT600 Mixed Denomination Money Counter Machine

$749.00
$619.00
The Spark DT600 is the perfect solution for a fast, accurate and reliable multi-currency mixed denomination money counter and sorter with advanced counterfeit detection

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 - While other bill counter machine can’t detect mix stack of bills, provide only quantity of notes & constantly report errors, the 2021 Spark DT600 is the perfect solution for a 100% accurate and reliable mixed denomination currency counter machine (usd,cad,mxn,eur,gbp); You can pull out a detailed on-screen report with grand total amount, quantity of bills & value by Denom. Connect easily to a printer (not incl.). We value your priorities

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 – If you deal with a large amount of cash and want to have a peace of mind, the Spark DT600 international money counter with counterfeit detector accurately scans notes for authenticity, providing maximum security using advanced sensors UV, MG, IR, MT, 2CIS and Serial number recognition; you will never have to worry again about fake bills confiscated by the bank. Operate with confidence

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 – Counting money at the end of the day has never been smoother and faster, Spark DT600 Cash Counter machine with bill recognizes has a built-in high quality friction nudge rubber to cash count all type of new & worn banknote and sort by denomination, face, orientation (you have to manually remove bills while sorting otherwise check out the DT800 with Reject Pocket for uninterrupted count and sort)

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 – If you are tired of counting money by hand and want to save time to focus on your business without worrying about jammed or flying bills, Spark DT600 mixed bill money counter industry-leading roller friction system made in the United States and widened impeller will allow you to accurately count up to 1200 notes per minute with no interruption; Its high-power motor provides a heavy-duty performance at ultra-high speed around the clock. It’s never been easier

𝟭𝟭𝟬% 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 - Deteck is a US-based company, we take pride in designing & delivering only premium money machine counter for North American Businesses; this product is backed by a 3yrs full warranty against defects & lifetime tech support (1-year standard manufacturer and 2 years free extended warranty upon activation on our website - use code EW2). We have a dedicated US-based support team to answer all your questions. Take advantage of it
SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting
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SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting
SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting
SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting
SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting
SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting
SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting

SWIFT DT10C Portable Counterfeit Bill Detector Machine USD & Euro Value Counting

$180.00
$149.00
The perfect solution for a fast, accurate, and reliable counterfeit Detector machine.

*Save 5% each on Qualifying items offered by DETECK USA when you purchase 2 or more. The discount also applies if you purchase 2 items of the same product within a period of 3 months. Please contact our support team to benefit from this offer and apply the discount on your next purchase.

  • 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 - The Swift DT10C is the perfect solution for a high-speed and reliable counterfeit machine detector. You can scan USD & EURO bills in any direction by inserting bills to the right side of the auto-feeding system and choose from a 2-way exit. Keep track of the count through the large LCD display, get an on-screen report with the quantity of bills and total value breakdown by denomination. We value your priorities
  • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 – If you deal regularly with large amounts of cash payments and want to have peace of mind, the Swift DT10C Money Checker Machine with Counterfeit Detector scans notes for authenticity in 0.5 second; providing maximum security using advanced 7-points Ultraviolet, Magnetic, Infrared, Double Dimension, Color and watermark detection system. A beep and Red flashing alerts you of fake bills. Operate with confidence
  • 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 – If you want to save time and focus on your business, the Swift DT10C Automatic Counterfeit Money Detector accurately count genuine banknotes up to 999 notes or a total value of 9999 with no interruption; after which the data will automatically reset to zero. Its high-power motor provides a heavy-duty performance at ultra-high speed around the clock. It’s never been easier
  • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 – Counting and sorting banknotes has never been smoother, DT10C bill checker machine is equipped with high quality rubber wheels and synchronous belt to cash count all type of new & worn banknote, easy to carry and widely used in shops, grocery stores, restaurants, hotel, small businesses; all you have to do is turn it on and use it on the go. Worth the money
  • 𝟭𝟭𝟬% 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 - We take pride in designing & delivering only premium money counter machines for North American Businesses; includes easy-to-read manual, USB key for software updates & an AC 100-240V power adaptor US plug for indoor use. We have a dedicated US-based support team; this product has a 1yr Standard Manufacturer Warranty against defect & lifetime tech support. Take advantage of it
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