Since the July 4 weekend, more counterfeit bills have been popping up in the Warsaw area.

According to a Warsaw Police Department spokesman, there have been eight cases of counterfeit money since the holiday. Six of those were received by vendors and two were received by private individuals. Suspects are being investigated and the U.S. Treasury Department is involved in the ongoing investigation.

Relying on just an ink marker to tell if a bill is counterfeit is not enough, the spokesman said. However, there are several ways to tell if a bill is fake.

Beginning with the $100 note in 1996, the United States began issuing currency with new and enhanced security features. These features will help protect U.S. currency from advancing technologies that could be used for counterfeiting. As old notes reach the Federal Reserve, they will be replaced by the redesigned currency.

The new bills have federal reserve indicators. A new universal seal represents the entire Federal Reserve System. A letter and number beneath the left serial number identify the issuing Federal Reserve Bank.

There is microprinting on the bills. Because they are so small, microprinted words are hard to replicate. On the front of a $100 bill, "USA 100" is within the number in the lower left corner and "United States of America" is on Benjamin Franklin's coat.

"None of this can be replicated," said the WPD spokesman, "especially the microprinting." It's too fine for copiers to pick up the print, he said.

The fine lines printed behind both Franklin's portrait and Independence Hall on the $100 bill are difficult to replicate. The number in the lower right corner on the front of the note looks green when viewed straight on, but appears black when viewed at an angle.

An additional letter is added to the serial number. The unique combination of 11 numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

An important factor to look for on real bills is the watermark. A watermark depicting Franklin is visible on the $100 bill from both sides when held up to a light. The enlarged portrait of Franklin in the center of the bill is easier to recognize while the added detail is harder to duplicate. The portrait is now off-center, providing room for a watermark and reducing wear and tear on the portrait.

Then there's the security thread. A polymer thread is embedded vertically in the paper and indicates, by its unique position, the note's denomination. The words "USA 100" on the thread can be seen from both sides of the note when held up to a bright light. Additionally, the thread glows red when held under an ultraviolet light.

"The No. 1 thing on the list is the real bill has red and blue fibers woven into the fibers. There's only one printer that can do that," said the spokesman. "That's the constant way (to tell if a bill is counterfeit)."

The $100 bill isn't the only redesigned bill. Similar security features can be found on the $5, $10, $20 and $50 bills.

Usually, fake bills are smaller than the average bill. They usually have the right colors on them and look like a copy.

According to information provided by the WPD, if you suspect a counterfeit note, do not put yourself in danger. Do not return the note to the passer. Delay the passer by some excuse, if possible, without risking harm. Observe and record the passer's appearance and of any companion. Note the license plate and make of the passer's car. Telephone the police.

Write your initials and the date on an unprinted portion of the suspect bill. Do not handle the note more than necessary. Place the note in a protective envelope. Surrender the bill only to a properly identified police officer or a U.S. Secret Service representative. [[In-content Ad]]