Sumner Police Warn of Counterfeit Bills

From the City of Sumner:

Over the past couple of weeks, the Sumner Police Department has taken several reports regarding people trying to pass counterfeit hundred dollar bills.  While the Federal Government is constantly trying to keep one step ahead of counterfeiters, advances in modern technology in computers and printers make this an ever growing problem.  It is important to note that counterfeit bills can be made in any denomination so the police department is warning businesses and citizens to be especially vigilant when accepting cash.  A number of features have been included on bills, which can help:

1.            A watermark identical to the portrait of the president’s face is visible from both sides of the bill.

2.            Color shifting ink on the number in lower-right corner on the front of the note.  On newer bills, the color will change from gold to green depending on the angle of viewing. 

3.            Security Thread running vertically with the denomination (e.g. “USA TEN”).  

Counterfeit detection pens can be useful but should not be a sole source of defense, since a common practice is to “wash” bills and reprint them in higher denominations, or replace corners of real bills.  The police department also warns people to never try to pass a known fake bill to another person or business, since this is a crime as well.  If you detect a fake bill, do not try to apprehend the subject; keep the bill if you can safely do so and call police right away.  For further information on detecting counterfeit money, visit the Secret Service website at  http://www.secretservice.gov/money_detect.shtml.