10/31/2026
Be aware. Counterfeit bills are circulating in our area. Cash is king, but take your time and be sure it is real.
Be aware of recent activity in La Crescent.
Counterfeit currency has been detected at two local businesses recently.
These bills are reportedly passing the counterfeit-detection pen test. There are visual signs of the bills being fake.
Do NOT rely on the counterfeit pen alone.
Check multiple security features before accepting questionable bills.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR CASH:
1. CHECK THE WATERMARK
Hold the bill up to the light. On $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills, look for a faint watermark matching the portrait.
On modern $5 bills, look for numeral 5 watermarks. The watermark should be part of the paper, not printed on the surface.
2. LOOK FOR THE SECURITY THREAD
Hold the bill up to the light to see the embedded vertical security thread. It should display lettering matching the denomination and glow the appropriate color under a UV light:
$5 — Blue
$10 — Orange
$20 — Green
$50 — Yellow
$100 — Pink
3. FEEL THE PAPER
Genuine U.S. currency is made from a cotton-linen blend and has a distinctive feel, with raised printing in certain areas. Paper that feels unusually smooth, thick, or different from familiar genuine bills deserves closer inspection.
4. TILT THE BILL
On current-design $10 bills and higher, the numeral in the lower-right corner changes from copper to green when tilted. Older designs may behave differently, so familiarize yourself with legitimate older bills, too.
5. INSPECT THE $100 BILL BLUE RIBBON
On the modern $100 bill, tilt the note and watch the blue 3-D security ribbon. The bells and 100s should appear to move and change as the bill is tilted. The ribbon is woven into the paper, not simply printed on it.
6. CHECK FOR MICROPRINTING
Use a magnifying glass to inspect tiny printed words in designated areas. Genuine microprinting should appear sharp and legible, not blurry or smeared.
⭐️ IF YOU SUSPECT A COUNTERFEIT BILL:
: : Do not rely on a pen test alone.
Compare the bill with one you know is genuine.
Follow your business's counterfeit-currency procedures and contact local law enforcement if appropriate.
Do not knowingly return a suspected counterfeit bill into circulation.
A few extra seconds checking a bill could help protect your business and your employees.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the La Crescent Police Department, open around the clock every day.
507-895-4414