Commerce PD Issues Counterfeit Currency Alert

The Commerce Police Department received reports of Counterfeit $50 bills being passed at local businesses. The serial numbers were the same on all of the bills. We are asking all business to be vigilant in inspecting all bills that are suspicious and report it immediately to the police Department.

Several ways to note if the bills are counterfeit are:

1. Check the bill with the special water mark pen. (Not the only test)
2. Feel the texture and thickness of the bill as it may be smoother or thicker and not as ‘crisp’ than a real bill. Also you should feel the texture of the ink on a real bill.
3. Check the looks of the bill. The counterfeit’s borders may be uneven. The ink may not be as detailed and fine. The portraits may look dull or blurred. The color may be off. The serial numbers will be the same if more than one bill passed at once. Look for the red and blue fiber embedded in the real bill. Hold the bill up to the light and look for the security thread (Plastic strip) running from top to bottom.
4. If you have access to a UV light source, the bill will glow a certain color and depending on the denomination. There will also be a colored strip running from top to bottom on the bill.

These are just a few tips to help fight off passing counterfeit bills. Possessing or passing a counterfeit bill carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Manufacturing of a counterfeit bill earns much longer sentences.

If you receive a bill you’re not sure if it counterfeit, contact the Commerce Police Department for assistance at 903-886-1139.