Counterfeit Money

With the use of computers and colour printers the production of Counterfeit Money is on the rise. New bills with advanced security features are being printed by most governments in an effort to reduce counterfeiting.

There are numerous methods that can be used to detect a counterfeit bill. The two basic things are look and feel. If you have another bill of the same denomination, compare them. Compare the size, colouring and feel of the paper, compare the printed images. If you handle large amounts of money obtain a list of the security features put into real bills to help determine if they are genuine.

If you suspect you have a Counterfeit bill you should:

• Keep It.
• Record its denomination and serial number.
• Note as many details as you can on the individual who you suspect gave you the bill.
• Contact the police.

If the bill turns out to be genuine, it will be returned to you. If the money is counterfeit there is no recourse to go back and get replacement money from anyone else.

Learn about Counterfeit recognition from the Bank of Canada Web Site.

Information about U.S. Counterfeit bills is at the U.S. Treasury Web Site.