Get Arrested for Counterfeit Money? (2024)

FAQs

Get Arrested for Counterfeit Money? ›

Producing or using counterfeit money is a form of fraud. Manufacturing counterfeit United States currency or altering genuine currency to increase its value is a violation of Title 18, Section 471 of the United States Code and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, or 15 years imprisonment, or both.

Key Takeaways: Making or using fake money is a serious crime that can get you up to 20 years in jail. Both federal and state laws punish counterfeiting, and fines can be very high. You must know the money is fake to be guilty; if it's an accident, you might not be charged.

If you are convicted of using, creating, or dealing in counterfeit currency, the penalties can be severe. The federal judge could sentence you to up to 20 years in a federal prison, along with a huge fine up to $250,000.

Reporting Suspected Counterfeit Currency

If you are an individual, submit suspected counterfeit currency to your local police department. Police departments, banks, and cash processors will submit suspected counterfeit currency to the Secret Service.

Police departments can also submit suspected counterfeit notes for processing using the SSF 1604. However, police departments requiring additional investigative or forensic assistance with suspected counterfeit notes should contact the local Secret Service office.

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.

Yes, you can actually be arrested for using counterfeit money, even if you didn't know it was fake. Both the federal government and local state governments impose penalties on an individual for using or attempting to use counterfeit money.

Counterfeiting is a broad term used to refer to several acts, but people usually commit it when falsifying, forging, or altering a United States' security. Making, using, or possessing counterfeit United States currency with fraudulent intent is a federal crime.

The $20 bill is the most commonly counterfeited banknote in the U.S., while overseas counterfeiters are more likely to make fake $100 bills. The real $100 bills are more prevalent overseas as well, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

In addition, a way to verify a legitimate bill is to double check the 100 in the corner of the bill. The color change of copper/green to black on the 100 in the lower right corner will help you verify an authentic $100 bill.

What to do if you find $20 on the ground? ›

If you find money, especially a significant amount, you should check your local laws or contact an attorney or the police. Many communities have local laws or ordinances governing what someone must do if they find cash and don't know who it belongs to. In some instances, state law will apply.

Will my bank replace fake money? Banks can, at their discretion, replace fake money received by their customers, but they are unlikely to do so. It makes little difference where the counterfeit came from — a store, an individual, or an ATM. In most cases, you'll end up writing off the loss.

What Are the Federal Penalties for Using, Making, or Possessing Counterfeit Money? Federal law makes counterfeiting U.S. currency a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. This potential 20-year prison sentence applies to possessing, using, or making counterfeit currency with the intent to defraud.

Manufacturing counterfeit United States currency or altering genuine currency to increase its value is a violation of Title 18, Section 471 of the United States Code and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, or 15 years imprisonment, or both.

The $20 note includes an embedded security thread that glows green when illuminated by UV light. When held to light, a portrait watermark of President Jackson is visible from both sides of the note. The note includes a color-shifting numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the note.

You should not give the counterfeit cash back to the person, the Secret Service warns. The Federal Reserve also recommends taking note of the person who passed the suspected false money, including their license plate and vehicle description.

It's reassuring to know that all banks have a set of security measures in place to detect and confiscate fake money.

Your local police department contacts the Secret Service regarding the transaction. If the person is still in the store when the transaction occurs, attempt to casually delay them with cash register issues or small talk while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.