Retailers Beware: Counterfeit Cash Circulating

Businesses must be vigilant to avoid losses from fake bills

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, partially torn $100 bill, capturing the textural details and gritty nature of counterfeit currency through dramatic lighting and a stark, investigative aesthetic.A close examination of counterfeit currency reveals the sophisticated techniques used by criminals to deceive retailers.Chicago Today

Counterfeit currency remains an ongoing threat for retailers, with U.S. authorities seizing millions in fake bills in recent years. Businesses must train staff to carefully examine all bills, especially larger denominations, and use detection tools to avoid accepting fraudulent currency that can lead to significant financial losses.

Why it matters

Accepting counterfeit money can be a major financial burden for small businesses, who are left responsible for the loss when fake bills are passed. Heightened awareness and proactive detection measures are crucial to protecting retailers from this persistent criminal activity.

The details

In the first three months of 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $1.6 million in counterfeit currency in Chicago and another $110,000 in California. Techniques used by counterfeiters are becoming more sophisticated, with some bills starting as legitimate $5 notes that are then bleached and altered to appear as $100 bills. While detection pens can help, they cannot definitively confirm altered currency.

  • In the first three months of 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $1.6 million in counterfeit currency in Chicago.
  • In December 2019, U.S. officials seized close to $1 million in counterfeited one dollar bills.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

A federal law enforcement agency that seizes counterfeit currency and works to combat the circulation of fake bills.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau

An organization that alerted the public to a $100 counterfeit bill that had been passed to a retailer, created by bleaching a legitimate $5 bill.

U.S. Secret Service

A federal law enforcement agency that offers resources to help businesses detect counterfeit money, including a guide called 'Know Your Money'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The counterfeiters apparently used a technique that involves bleaching legitimate money and altering the bills to look like $100 notes.”

— Connecticut Better Business Bureau

What’s next

Businesses should continue to train staff on counterfeit detection methods and remain vigilant about examining all bills, especially larger denominations. Retailers are also encouraged to contact local law enforcement if they suspect receiving fake currency.

The takeaway

Counterfeit money remains a persistent threat for retailers, who can face significant financial losses if they unknowingly accept fraudulent bills. Heightened awareness, staff training, and proactive use of detection tools are crucial for small businesses to protect themselves from this ongoing criminal activity.