The Boone County Sheriffs Office warned residents this week of an uptick in counterfeit money printed around the holidays.
Make sure your cash is genuine this holiday season by reading these notes on what to look for.
Watermark. The 2004 style Federal Reserve notes (FRNs) have a watermark that is visible from either side when held to light.
Color-shifting Ink. The 2004 style $10, $20, $50 and $100 FRNs have color-shifting ink that shifts from copper to green as the note is tilted 45 degrees. The 2004 style $100 FRN has a color-shifting “Bell in the Inkwell.” The $5 FRN does not have a color-shifting ink.
Security thread. All genuine FRNs, except the $1 and $2, have a clear thread embedded vertically in the paper. The thread is inscribed with the denomination of the note and is visible only when held to light. Each denomination has a unique thread position and glows a different color when held to UV light.
3-D Security Ribbon. The 2004 style $100 FRN features a blue ribbon woven into the paper. When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and “100”s move side to side. If you tilt the note side to side, they move up and down.
Serial numbers. The first letter of the serial number on FRNs of series year 1996 or later corresponds to the series year. E = 2004, I = 2006, L = 2009A, G = 2004A, J = 2009.
If you witness an attempt to pass a counterfeit note, contact your local police department.
