Cashiers are often the first line of defense against counterfeit currency. While today’s U.S. banknotes include sophisticated security features, counterfeit bills still make their way into businesses every day. Knowing what to look for can help employees identify suspicious bills before they become costly losses.
Here are the essential security features every cashier should know when accepting cash.
Feel the Paper
One of the easiest ways to identify genuine U.S. currency is by touch. Authentic banknotes are printed on a unique blend of cotton and linen that gives them a distinctive feel.
A genuine bill should feel:
- Crisp but flexible
- Slightly rough, not smooth
- Different from ordinary printer paper
If a bill feels unusually slick, thin, or waxy, take a closer look.
Look for the Watermark
Hold the bill up to a light source to view the embedded watermark. The watermark should match the portrait printed on the front of the bill and be visible from both sides.
If the watermark is missing or doesn’t match the denomination, the bill may be counterfeit.
Check the Security Thread
Modern U.S. currency contains a vertical security thread embedded in the paper. Each denomination has its own thread location and glows a specific color under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Using a UV light is one of the fastest ways to verify this important security feature.
Watch for Color-Shifting Ink
On newer $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills, the numeral in the lower-right corner changes color when the bill is tilted.
This feature is difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce and provides a quick visual check.
Feel the Raised Printing
Genuine U.S. currency is printed using an intaglio printing process that creates slightly raised ink on the portrait, lettering, and Federal Reserve seal.
If the bill feels completely flat, it deserves closer inspection.
Examine the Microprinting
Many U.S. banknotes include tiny words printed in several locations that are difficult to reproduce accurately. Under magnification, the text should appear crisp and readable—not blurry or broken.
Be Aware of Bleached Bills
One of the most common counterfeiting methods today involves bleaching genuine lower-denomination bills and reprinting them as higher values.
Because the paper itself is genuine, a counterfeit detector pen may indicate that the paper is authentic. That’s why it’s important to always verify that the watermark and security thread match the printed denomination.
Don’t Forget About Prop Money
Another growing concern is movie prop money being passed as genuine currency. While legitimate prop bills are marked with phrases such as “For Motion Picture Use Only,” counterfeiters may attempt to hide or remove these markings before using them in transactions.
Take an extra moment to inspect any bill that appears unusual or has inconsistent printing.
Use More Than One Detection Method
Does that sound like a lot to remember? It can be.
That’s why having the right counterfeit detection tools at the register makes all the difference. Dri Mark’s counterfeit detection products are designed to help cashiers quickly verify multiple security features, making it easier to identify suspicious bills without slowing down the checkout process.
Whether you’re using a Counterfeit Detector Pen, a UV detector, or one of Dri Mark’s multi-test devices, combining visual inspection with reliable detection tools provides added confidence with every cash transaction.
Training Makes the Difference
Counterfeiters often target busy checkout lines where employees are focused on speed rather than inspection. Providing regular training and giving cashiers reliable counterfeit detection tools can significantly reduce the risk of accepting fake bills.
At Dri Mark, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping businesses verify currency with confidence. From our original Counterfeit Detector Pen to advanced UV and multi-test detection solutions, our products are designed to make counterfeit detection fast, simple, and reliable.
A few extra seconds at the register can make all the difference in protecting your business from counterfeit cash.
For a complete overview of U.S. currency security features by denomination, cashiers and business owners can also refer to the U.S. Currency Education Program’s “Dollars in Detail“ guide.
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