How to Spot a Counterfeit Dollar

Would you like to be sure that your money is legit? Use this simple method for testing, and it will work every time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dollar Bills to be tested
• Magnet

1. Take your dollar bill in hand. Looking at the face of the bill, fold it in half. Left to right.

2. Press the crease together firmly. The crease will allow the dollar to bend without moving the entire bill in later steps.

3. Lay the dollar bill on a flat surface. Table, desk and counter tops will work best.

4. Unfold the dollar bill. Allow the crease to give a little.

5. Use either your hand or a very small object to weigh down one side of the dollar bill. This step can be skipped entirely if you wish.

6. Gradually bring the magnet towards the dollar bill. If this is a legitimate dollar bill made by the U.S. Government, it will attract to the magnet. The ink on the bill is what is attracting to the magnet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can of course use your own variations to this test. You may not need to fold it or weigh it down.
• I prefer this method, as it works will all bills. You do not need to know specifics regarding each category of bill.

[QueenofMisc]

on 5/13/2009 excellent idea! magnetized ink on dollar bills to spot counterfeiters. :-)

[cclofmead]

on 5/10/2009 Great tips on spotting a counterfeit dollar!! 5*

[irussell]

on 5/4/2009 Great info on spotting a counterfeit dollar. This way of doing it is relatively easy.

[ageimer]

on 5/2/2009 Wow I didn't know you could do that! 5* REC

[langleycornwell]

on 5/2/2009 Good article on spotting a counterfeit dollar. Thanks. 5*s.