<\/span><\/h2>\nTo spot a counterfeit $100 bill, you need to pay attention to the following:<\/p>\n
1. Feel the texture of the bill: Genuine money has a distinctive feel due to the use of high-quality cotton and linen fibers. Counterfeit notes often have a smooth or waxy texture.<\/p>\n
2. Check the watermark: Hold the note up to the light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin on the right side. The watermark should be visible from both sides of the bill.<\/p>\n
3. Examine the security thread: Embedded within the bill, there is a thin, vertically-oriented strip that glows pink when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This thread can be seen from both sides of the bill.<\/p>\n
4. Look for the color-shifting ink: Tilt the bill slightly and observe the numeral in the lower right corner change from copper to green. Counterfeit notes may lack this feature or have uneven color shifts.<\/p>\n
5. Verify the 3D security ribbon: Embedded into the bill, there should be a blue security ribbon woven into the paper. When tilted, the bells within the ribbon should shift to a moving pattern from left to right.<\/p>\n
6. Inspect the microprinting: Using a magnifying glass, check for tiny text around the portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the numeral 100, and the words “The United States of America.” Counterfeit notes often have blurred or fuzzy microprinting.<\/p>\n
7. **Look for red and blue fibers**: Genuine notes contain tiny red and blue fibers embedded within the paper. Counterfeit bills may lack these fibers or have them printed on the surface instead.<\/p>\n
8. Examine the serial numbers: A genuine $100 bill will have unique, evenly spaced, and perfectly aligned serial numbers. Counterfeit notes may have irregularities, smudges, or mismatched fonts.<\/p>\n
9. Check the Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals: The seals should be solid, distinct, and easily recognizable. On counterfeit notes, the seals may have uneven, blurred edges, or lack fine details.<\/p>\n
10. **Use a counterfeit detection pen**: These pens use a special ink that reacts differently with genuine and counterfeit bills. The ink should turn yellowish or clear when applied to real currency but leave a dark mark on counterfeit notes.<\/p>\n
11. Compare the feel and weight: Counterfeit bills may lack the weight and flexibility of genuine currency due to different paper quality. Familiarize yourself with the genuine $100 bill’s characteristics to notice any discrepancies.<\/p>\n
12. **Stay updated on counterfeiting trends**: Counterfeiters often adapt their techniques to bypass security features. Stay informed about the latest counterfeiting methods by following official government websites or resources.<\/p>\n