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Counterfeit Investigations

The threat of counterfeit U.S. currency to the financial system of the United States continues to evolve. Advances in technology, the availability of scanning and printing devices and the adoption of the U.S. dollar by nations as their legal tender have exacerbated the global threat.

Counterfeit Deterrence

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We are a board member of the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence Steering Committee and Law Enforcement Advisory Group for recommendations to the Central Banks Counterfeit Deterrence Group. We provide comprehensive analysis of suspected counterfeit obligations, both domestic and foreign.

Our investigations continue to address counterfeit, which still undermines confidence in the U.S. dollar, but it is credit card fraud, wire and bank fraud, computer network breaches, ransomware, and other cyber-enabled financial crimes, that have become the focus of much of the Secret Service investigative work.
Counterfeit Inv

Counterfeit Investigations

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To counter threats, we focus on strategic international investigations targeting counterfeiters and their distribution networks. We have also initiated a comprehensive international forensic counterfeit detection training program for banks and law enforcement agencies overseas.

Currency Design 

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We participate in the Inter-Agency Currency Design Group and work closely with the Department of the Treasury, to include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Our experts also contribute to currency design across the globe.

Currency Design

 

Reporting Suspected Counterfeit Currency

If you are an individual, submit suspected counterfeit currency to your local police department. Your local bank may also assist in identifying counterfeit currency. 

 

Police departments, banks, and cash processors will submit suspected counterfeit currency to the Secret Service. If you are a representative of a police department, bank, or cash processor, follow this follow this link for more information on submitting suspected counterfeit currency to the Secret Service. 

 

Resources

U.S. Currency
website


Learn how to authenticate your money.

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing


Learn more about U.S. currency.

Know Your
Money


Learn how to spot counterfeit U.S. currency.