Debt and Consolidation

Counterfeit detection is an important topic no matter where you work. I have a relative that works for a retailer managing the checkout counters and customer service areas. She recently cashed a check and received four fifty dollar notes. She used some of these bills to pay for an extracurricular activity at her daughter's school. One day later, the school called to let her know one the fifty dollar bills was counterfeit.

Through a low-cost counterfeit detection device, it was determined that the bill was a fake. While the school had no intention of turning her over to the authorities, they did want their back!

Considering this relative's extensive retail background, she should have been more aware of the need to verify larger bills. Since the bill was traced directly to her, she ended up in the hole. This can be a tough lesson to learn. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Determining the Authenticity of Your Money

There are many areas relating to fake money detection and bill authenticity. These areas include:

- Type of Paper
- Magnetic Ink
- Security Threads
- Various Colors
- Various Watermarks
- Fine Printing
- Serial Numbers

Despite all the above features within the current money supply, counterfeiters are still quite successful at producing fake currency. There have been technological advances in printing and imaging that have allowed counterfeiting to grow. In addition, the current economic climate does not help. With the current unemployment percentage and a depressed job market, each of us should have a increased sense of awareness that we, too, could be cheated. So how can you protect yourself?