Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money?

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money? Knowing where to report suspected counterfeit currency is important if you discover that a banknote may not be genuine. Whether you received the note during a purchase, accepted it from another person, or discovered it while handling cash at work, reporting it through the proper channel can help prevent counterfeit currency from continuing to circulate.

The correct reporting procedure depends on the country involved, the currency involved, and whether you are an individual, business, financial institution, or law-enforcement agency. This article focuses primarily on U.S. currency and explains the current reporting guidance provided by U.S. government sources.

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money?

If you are an individual in the United States who believes you have received a counterfeit U.S. banknote, the current U.S. Currency Education Program advises you to contact your local U.S. Secret Service field office. The official reporting guidance explains that, since November 1, 2024, the Secret Service no longer accepts electronic submissions of suspected counterfeit notes through the former USDollars website.

Individuals can also contact local law enforcement when they suspect they have received counterfeit currency. The important point is that a suspected counterfeit note should not simply be returned to circulation by spending it somewhere else.

For more information about what happens after receiving a suspicious banknote, see our related guide on What Happens If a Cashier Gives You Counterfeit Money?.

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money as an Individual?

If you are an individual and discover that a bill in your possession may be counterfeit, begin by keeping the note separate from your genuine money. You should avoid knowingly passing the note to another person or business.

The current official reporting guidance directs individuals to contact their local U.S. Secret Service field office. If you received the note during a transaction, it can also be useful to remember or record details about where and when you received it.

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money to Local Authorities?

Local police can be an appropriate point of contact when you believe you have received counterfeit money. If you are uncertain about which agency should handle your situation, local law enforcement can help direct you to the appropriate authority.

When reporting a suspected counterfeit, provide as much useful information as possible without putting yourself at risk. Details about the transaction, location, date, time, and circumstances can potentially assist an investigation.

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money If You Are Outside the United States?

People outside the United States may encounter suspected counterfeit U.S. dollars in international transactions. The appropriate procedure can be different because the person is located outside U.S. jurisdiction.

For suspected counterfeit U.S. currency outside the United States, individuals should contact local law enforcement or the nearest U.S. Secret Service field office. If the suspected counterfeit is a currency other than U.S. dollars, contact the appropriate local authorities, central bank, or law-enforcement agency responsible for that currency.

Counterfeit-currency procedures vary between countries, so you should not assume that the reporting process for one currency automatically applies to another.

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money as a Business?

Businesses that regularly handle cash should have procedures for identifying and reporting suspected counterfeit currency. Cashiers and employees should follow their organization’s internal procedures whenever they believe that a banknote may not be genuine.

The U.S. Currency Education Program’s Cashier Toolkit provides resources for cashiers and businesses handling U.S. currency. Businesses should also preserve useful information about the transaction whenever possible, including transaction records and other details that could help authorities.

If your business regularly handles cash, understanding prevention is also important. Our article on Counterfeit Money Prevention for Businesses provides additional information about reducing the risk of counterfeit currency entering a business.

Where Should You Report Counterfeit Money at a Bank?

Banks and other financial institutions have specialized procedures for handling suspected counterfeit currency. Employees should follow the institution’s established counterfeit-reporting procedures rather than treating a suspected counterfeit note like an ordinary deposit.

The U.S. Secret Service provides specific guidance for financial institutions concerning the submission and processing of suspected counterfeit currency. Financial institutions may have procedures involving Secret Service forms and designated processing facilities.

However, suspected counterfeit currency involving useful investigative information may need to be handled differently. Information about the person who passed the note, a vehicle, or other investigative leads can be important when reporting suspected counter