Counterfeit Currency

Counterfeiting is a serious national crime that has the potential to harm or destroy a business of any size. Thanks to today's technical advances, computers, copiers, and printers can produce counterfeit money that's hard to distinguish from the real thing. Even with these advances, you can learn how to better protect yourself and your business from the dangers of counterfeit money.

How to Detect Counterfeit Currency

The best way to detect counterfeit money is to know the facts about genuine U.S. currency.

  1. Check Letter (Quadrant Number)
  2. District Numbers
  3. Paper
  4. Federal Reserve Seal & Letter
  5. Portrait & Oval Background
  6. Type of Note
  7. Treasury Seal
  8. Serial Numbers

The small check number letter appears in the upper left and lower right corner. These letters indicate the position of that note printed on a full sheet. The Quadrant Number appears in the upper left corner only and should not be confused with the Face Place Number. If the Check Letters are missing, assume that the bill is counterfeit.