How to Spot a Fake $20 Bill

Ever wondered if the $20 bill you have in your pocket is real or counterfeit? You wouldn’t be alone in that curiosity. Fake currency is a significant issue worldwide, and in the U.S., the $20 bill is one of the most commonly counterfeited notes. Understanding how to identify a fake can save you from losing money and protect you from potential legal troubles. So, how can you ensure that the $20 bill in your wallet is genuine? Let's dive into the tell-tale signs that can help you spot a fake $20 bill right away.

Suspicious Features of a Counterfeit $20 Bill

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, it's essential to know why counterfeiters frequently choose the $20 bill. The $20 bill is widely circulated and, thus, less likely to be scrutinized compared to larger denominations like the $100 bill. Now, let’s explore the key characteristics of a real $20 bill and how counterfeit versions try but fail to mimic them.

1. Feel of the Paper: The first line of defense against counterfeits is the paper itself. U.S. currency paper is made from a blend of cotton and linen, which gives it a distinct texture. Run your fingers over the bill. A genuine bill feels different from standard printer paper and even different from other paper currencies around the world. It is not glossy, and the print is slightly raised, allowing you to feel some texture on the bill. If it feels too smooth or too rough, it's likely fake.

2. Watermark: Hold the bill up to the light. You should see a faint image of the portrait, Andrew Jackson, on the $20 bill. This watermark should be visible from both sides of the note. Importantly, the watermark is embedded in the paper and not printed on it. A counterfeit bill might have no watermark, an incorrectly placed watermark, or one that looks printed rather than embedded.

3. Color-Shifting Ink: Look at the numeral "20" in the lower right corner of the bill's front. When you tilt the note back and forth, the color of the numeral should change from copper to green. This color-shifting ink is a sophisticated security feature difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. If the ink does not change color, or if it appears flat and single-colored, the bill is likely fake.

More Advanced Techniques

1. Security Thread: On a genuine $20 bill, there's a thin, embedded strip that runs vertically to the left of Andrew Jackson’s portrait. This thread is imprinted with the words “USA TWENTY” and is visible when held up to light. Under ultraviolet light, this thread glows green. A counterfeit bill might have an imitation security thread that fails to glow or lacks the proper wording.

2. Microprinting: Genuine U.S. bills include microprinting, which is tiny, hard-to-replicate text. On the $20 bill, microprinting can be found around Jackson’s collar and along the borders. If you use a magnifying glass and the text appears blurry or unreadable, the bill might be counterfeit.

Even More Telltale Signs

1. Portrait Details: The portrait on the $20 bill should be sharp and clear, not blurry or smudged. Genuine bills have intricate details in the portrait that counterfeiters often fail to replicate accurately. Look closely at Andrew Jackson’s face; if it looks faded or washed out, you might have a fake.

2. Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals: The seals on the front of the bill should be crisp and clear, with no fuzzy edges. Counterfeit bills often have poorly replicated seals with uneven or blurry lines.

What to Do If You Suspect a Bill is Fake?

If you ever receive a bill that you suspect is counterfeit, do not attempt to use it. Instead, take it to your local bank or the nearest police station. Banks have tools and trained personnel to identify counterfeit currency and can take the necessary steps to report it to the Secret Service, the federal agency responsible for combating counterfeiting.

Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts and Verify

Ultimately, spotting a counterfeit $20 bill requires a mix of tactile and visual inspection combined with a good understanding of what a genuine bill looks like. When in doubt, trust your instincts. If a bill doesn’t feel right or look right, it probably isn’t. By being vigilant and taking a few seconds to inspect your cash, you can protect yourself and your community from the dangers of counterfeit currency.