If the bill is series 2009, then the serial number should begin with J. If the bill is series 2009A, then the serial number should begin with L. [2] X Research source

The numeral 100 beside the inkwell should also change color, just as it does on some older $100 bills.

If you hold the bill up to UV light, then the strip should glow pink. [5] X Research source You can also purchase a counterfeit detector which shines UV light, which might be helpful if your business handles a lot of bills. A popular option is the AccuBanker D63 Compact. It costs about $50. [6] X Research source

This ribbon is woven into the paper, not pasted on. Accordingly, if the blue ribbon is peeling off the bill, then you have a fake.

You should also see “USA 100” around the white space that contains the portrait. [10] X Research source The words “100 USA” should also appear around the quill pen to the right of Franklin.

The average $100 bill stay in circulation for seven years. Accordingly, most of the older bills should be out of circulation by now. Nevertheless, you might have one or more stored at home that you want to check.

Using touch is not foolproof, however. The most successful counterfeiters will bleach real money and then print over it. Nevertheless, counterfeiters struggle to reproduce the raised printing, so feeling the bill is a good first step.

For example, in $100 bills issued between 1990-1996, the words “The United States of America” should appear on the outer edge of the portrait oval. [14] X Research source For bills issued between 1996-2013, “USA100” should appear in the numeral 100 on the lower left-hand corner. You should also see “The United States of America” in the left lapel of Franklin’s coat. [15] X Research source

Nevertheless, you can now buy a counterfeit detection pen that has a UV light built into the cap and costs under $10.

You can also visit the U. S. Currency website and find images of older $100 bills.

If the person drove to your business, try to get their license plate number. [23] X Research source Remember that the person giving you the bill might not be the counterfeiter, so don’t think you have to perform a citizen’s arrest or anything. They could be completely innocent.

Remember not to put it in with the other bills. Instead, mark your envelope “counterfeit” so that you can find it quickly.

You can also call the Secret Service directly, if you want. You can find your local office at this website: https://www. secretservice. gov/contact/field-offices/. Enter your zip code.