Counterfeit Money
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What should I do if I receive counterfeit money? |
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Depends on the circumstances, of course, but the standard advice is to notify the proper authorities. |
According to the United States Secret Service (established as a law enforcement agency in 1865 to investigate the counterfeiting of U.S. currency):
If You Receive A Counterfeit
Do not return it to the passer.
Delay the passer if possible.
Observe the passer's description, as well as that of any companions, and the license numbers of any vehicles used.
Contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office. These numbers can be found on the inside front page of your local telephone directory.
Write your initials and the date in the white border areas of the suspect note.
Limit the handling of the note. Carefully place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope.
Surrender the note or coin only to a properly identified police officer or a U.S. Secret Service special agent.
Copyright © 2002 United States Secret Service
What the authorities don't advertise is that they won't be reimbursing you for any counterfeit money you surrender to them. In other words, the last person left holding the funny money is often the one who suffers the loss.
