GUILFORD, CT — Guilford police say they've seen several incidents recently in which counterfeit bills, usually $100 bills, were passed at local businesses, and they're advising residents on how to spot fakes.
"Spotting counterfeit bills isn’t always obvious, and some [of] these bills can look pretty legitimate. Many times, though, there are indicators you can look for to determine if a bill is real, or totally fake!" police posted on Facebook.
Police pointed to the United States Secret Service and their "look, feel, tilt" method to help spot fake paper currency.
"Look at the overall bill and make sure it doesn’t say 'For Motion Picture Use Only' or something similar. This is money that may look real at first glance, but is used as a prop in movies," police said. "Make sure there is no foreign text on it. Look for the randomly distributed red and blue security fibers embedded in the paper, as well as microprinting in various areas such as around the border of the bill, along Benjamin Franklin’s collar (on $100 bills), etc."
There are other security features to look out for, including a portrait watermark visible from both sides of the bill and a security threat embedded in the bill that glows under ultraviolet light.
"Run your fingers over the bill to make sure it feels like real currency. Real money uses intaglio ink, which is raised and gives bills a distinct texture," police added, noting U.S. paper currency is comprised of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton.
Additionally, real currency has color-shifting ink in different locations, police said. Each bill also has a serial number, which starts with two letters.
Police said older bills may lack some security features.
More information on how to spot fake currency can be found here.
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