What can you do if someone uses counterfeit money?

Contact your local police department or call your local U.S. Secret Service Office. Write your initials and date in the white border area of the suspected counterfeit note. Do not handle the counterfeit note. Place it inside a protective cover such as a plastic bag or envelope to protect it.

How do you deal with receiving counterfeit money?

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.

Who investigates counterfeit currency?

The U.S. Secret Service
The U.S. Secret Service has a long and storied history of safeguarding America’s financial and payment systems from criminal exploitation. The agency was created in 1865 to combat the rise of counterfeit currency following the Civil War.

What happens if you pass counterfeit money unknowingly?

A retailer, merchant, or individual may be defrauded by unknowingly accepting counterfeit currency. A retailer, merchant, or individual may be defrauded by unknowingly accepting counterfeit currency. The person who uses counterfeit cash to purchase goods or services may be arrested and charged with a crime or crimes.

Can states punish counterfeiters?

Although states have the authority to enact laws criminalizing activity related to counterfeiting, the power to punish the act of counterfeiting itself belongs exclusively to the United States Congress.

What do you do if you find a counterfeit dollar bill?

Observe the passer’s description – and their companions’ descriptions – and write down their vehicle license plate numbers if you can. Contact your local police department OR call your local U.S. Secret Service Office. Write your initials and date in the white border area of the suspected counterfeit note.

What is the procedure for dealing with counterfeit notes?

No credit to customer’s account is to be given for counterfeit notes, if any, detected in the tender received over the counter or at the back-office / currency chest. In no case, the counterfeit notes should be returned to the tenderer or destroyed by the bank branches / treasuries.

What should you do if you receive a counterfeit?

The United States Secret Service recommends if you receive a counterfeit: Do not return it to the passer. Delay the passer if possible.

How do I Surrender a coin or note to the government?

Surrender the note or coin ONLY to a properly identified police officer or a Secret Service Special Agent, or mail it to your nearest U.S. Secret Service field office.