Check the paper feel for unusual smoothness, stiffness, or thinness
Look for blurry printing, faded details, or uneven ink
Hold the bill to the light and verify the watermark
Check the security thread for proper placement and text
Tilt the bill to see color-shifting ink, if applicable
Compare the bill to a known genuine bill of the same denomination
Inspect the serial numbers for matching style, spacing, and alignment
Look for raised printing on genuine bills
Check for missing or incorrect microprinting
Verify the portrait and details are sharp and well-defined
Use a counterfeit detection pen only as a quick screening tool
Check for signs of tampering, such as glue, cuts, or altered numbers
Confirm the bill’s size matches a genuine bill
Examine the bill under UV light if available
If unsure, do not accept the bill and report it to the proper authorities