What does counterfeit money look like?

Answer 1

Fake or copied money will have any of several noticeable differences from real currency. Some things to look for in US "paper money" :

• The paper will not be as flexible or smooth. US bills are printed on cotton linen, not paper. So while it will tear, it can also get wet without falling apart or losing its ink. Many businesses use chemical pens that test the paper's content.
• The printing and colors may look dark, or smudged, or crooked.
• The portrait on all new bills contain the same President or famous individual.
• The bills in the US will contain a plastic security strip inside, visible when held to a light.
• US bills also contain an artificial watermark, a shadow image that appears in the open part of the bill under illumination.
• US bills have color-shifting ink in some areas. It looks green from some angles and black from others.
• Under high magnification, there is extensive micro-printing on the bill, usually near the center portrait area.