The hundred dollar bill is one of the most used US currencies. Because of this, the possibility of this denomination is high. If you receive a counterfeit $100 dollar bill as payment, it can cause you significant business loss. In this blog, we will discuss how to tell if a hundred dollar bill is counterfeit. Also, we will learn the security features of legitimate U.S. currency, the role of technology to detect counterfeit bills.
The Growing Issue of Counterfeit Bill
Nowadays, counterfeit bills are more sophisticated. The criminals are producing bills that seem real even to experienced cashiers with technological advancement. Consequently, retail outlets risk losing huge sums due to accepting such cash. As a result, recognizing a counterfeit bill is very important to protect anyone’s business from harm. It will help to avoid losing cash earned through sweat.
Security Features in Legitimate Hundred Dollar Bill
The U.S. Treasury incorporates several security features into their bills to make counterfeiting difficult. Here are some key features you should be aware of when handling a $100 bill:
First of all the feature is the watermark. It is a faint image similar to the main portrait. It is visible from both sides of the bill when held up to the light. It should be located to the right of the portrait on the front of the bill. Any absence or discrepancy in this watermark is a red flag. Also, a real hundred dollar bill should have the numeral “100” in the lower right corner on the front of the bill that changes colour from copper to green when tilted. On the real $100 bill, a security thread glows pink under UV light and is inscribed with the words “USA 100.” Visible from both sides, this thread is a key indicator of authenticity.
Physically Inspecting a Real $100 Bill
When you receive a fake $100 bill, a careful physical inspection can help identify if it’s real or fake. Follow these steps to ensure you’re not accepting counterfeit money:
Real U.S. currency is printed on a unique blend of paper that provides a distinct texture. Run your fingers over the bill; it should feel slightly rough due to the raised printing. If the paper feels too smooth or different from other bills, it might be counterfeit.
Tilt the bill back and forth and pay close attention to the color-shifting ink on the numeral “100.” Also, check the holographic features that may appear when tilting the bill under different lights. Then, hold the bill up to a light source to check for the watermark and security thread. Both should be clearly visible and match the descriptions mentioned earlier.
The Role of Counterfeit Detector Pens
Counterfeit detector pens are widely used for quick checks. These pens contain iodine-based ink that reacts with the starch in regular paper but not in the cotton-linen blend used for real currency. But these pens are not foolproof. Some counterfeiters use starch-free paper. In this situation the pen is ineffective.
To use a detector pen correctly, mark the bill in a small, discreet area. If the mark turns dark, the bill is likely counterfeit. However, always combine this test with other inspection methods for better accuracy.
What Should Do After Detecting a Counterfeit Bill
Discovering a counterfeit bill can be stressful, but it’s important to handle the situation calmly and professionally. Here are the work that you should do:
Every business should have a protocol for handling suspected counterfeit bills. Familiarise yourself with these policies and follow them strictly.
If you detect a counterfeit bill, contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Secret Service. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and will begin an investigation if necessary.
Conclusion
Counterfeit money poses a real threat to retail businesses, but by staying vigilant and informed, you can protect your company from financial losses. Remember to inspect every $100 bill carefully, use technology to your advantage, and follow the proper steps if you encounter a counterfeit bill.
