During certain times of the year, some crimes tend to increase, and the police of Cleburne, Texas, have warned that "the counterfeiting season is in full swing."
According to the Police Department, counterfeit bills have been detected in retail stores and local restaurants. This year, the main concern revolves around an increase in so-called "washed" bills.
What is a "washed" bill?
A "washed" bill is an authentic piece of U.S. currency from which the original markings are removed in order to reprint it with a higher denomination.
"For example, a criminal can 'wash' a five-dollar bill and reprint it as a one-hundred-dollar bill," explained the Police Department in a statement.
The peculiar aspect of this type of counterfeiting is that the bill often passes the "pen test," a special marker used to verify the authenticity of the paper, as the material is genuine.
For this reason, officials warn that this test should not be the only method for detecting counterfeits, also suggesting the use of black light, although it is not foolproof either.
How to Identify Authentic Banknotes: Pay Attention to the Details
The police emphasize that careful observation is key to identifying counterfeit bills.
Defective prints: Counterfeit bills often exhibit blurry, faded prints or poorly defined details.
Color-changing ink: The newest bills of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars have special ink in the lower right corner that changes color when the bill is tilted. This metallic effect is difficult to replicate in counterfeits.
Ink quality: When rubbing the corners of a genuine banknote, the ink should not smudge or fade, a common issue with counterfeit notes due to the use of lower-quality standard ink.
Security thread: When holding a bill up to the light, the security thread should match the denomination of the bill. For example, on a $100 bill, the thread will display the number 100.
Watermark: On banknotes of 10 and higher denominations, the watermark must match the portrait on the banknote. The 5 banknotes feature two watermarks of the number 5.
What to do if you suspect a counterfeit bill?
The United States Secret Service recommends contacting local authorities immediately if a counterfeit bill is suspected. Additionally, local banks can provide assistance in verifying the authenticity of the currency.
Staying alert and following these tips can help protect you against the use of counterfeit currency in everyday transactions.
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