Counterfeit currency is a growing concern, and one of the most frequently forged denominations in the U.S. is the fake 20-dollar bill. With millions of dollars in fake banknotes circulating globally, businesses and consumers must stay vigilant.
Travellers and international students in the US must learn ways to identify fake 20-dollar bill and not fall victim. Let’s find out how to spot fake 20-dollar bill and ways to prevent fraud effectively in this blog.
Table of contents
Why Fake 20-Dollar Bills Are So Common
The fake 20-dollar bill is one of the most counterfeited U.S. banknotes because it is widely used in cash transactions. Unlike the fake hundred-dollar bill, which is more scrutinized, fake USD 20 bills often go unnoticed in busy retail environments, making them a favorite for counterfeiters.
Another reason for the prevalence of fake 20-dollar bills is that some fraudsters use basic printers or altered real bills to create fake money. While less sophisticated than state-sponsored counterfeiting operations, these counterfeit dollars still trick unsuspecting individuals.
Also Read: Check out this blog to learn all the major steps to identify fake 100-euro notes from the New Europa Series.
Ways to Identify Fake 20-Dollar Bills
Spotting a fake 20-dollar bill requires a keen eye and knowledge of the security features embedded in legitimate banknotes. It is important to know how to spot fake money. Looking at the security thread, watermark, and the numeral 20 on the front side are the main ways that can help you distinguish between fake 20-dollar bills and real 20-dollar bills.
Below is an image highlighting important areas of a real 20-dollar bill.
Besides, it is important to feel the texture of the note, including the colours on it. Here are the primary ways to determine if a USD 20 bill is real or counterfeit:
Look for the Embedded Security Thread
One of the key security features of the genuine US 20-dollar bill is a vertical thread embedded in the paper. When held up to the light, you’ll see the thread clearly, imprinted with the text “USA TWENTY” and a small flag in a repeating pattern. This thread is visible from both sides of the bill which glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light.
In a fake 20-dollar bill, the security thread will be printed and not embedded in it. The imprinted text will also appear blurry and UV light won’t glow green.
Notice the Watermark
You will also notice the watermark of President Jackson in the blank space. It appears as a faint image when you hold the Federal Reserve Note in the light. In a real dollar bill, it will appear on both sides of the note. A fake 20-dollar bill will either have this feature absent or will appear as a printed image that is darker than the surrounding areas.
Check the Colour-Shifting Ink
When you tilt the bill, a colour-shifting pattern will appear on the numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the note. On tilting it, the colour will shift from green to copper on a real note. However, a fake 20-dollar bill will lack the colour-shifting ink feature. Similarly, you can learn how to identify a counterfeit 100-dollar bill.
Feel the Raised Paper
When you run your finger over Andrew Jackson’s collar on a twenty-dollar bill, you should notice a slight roughness due to the raised printing and special paper used. This peculiar feature is another security element to help prevent counterfeiting and enable you to identify a fake 20-dollar bill.
Difference Between Real and Fake 20-Dollar Bill
Understanding the key differences between a real and fake 20-dollar bill is crucial for preventing financial fraud. Below are the main distinctions of real and fake 20-dollar bill in a table:
| Feature | Real $20 Bill | Fake 20-Dollar Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Quality | Unique cotton-linen blend with embedded security fibers; durable and textured. | Often printed on standard paper or lower-quality materials; feels smoother and less durable. |
| Watermark Presence | Displays a faint watermark of Andrew Jackson’s portrait, visible under light. | Usually lacks a watermark or has a poorly replicated version. |
| Security Thread | Embedded vertical security strip that glows green under UV light and reads “USA TWENTY.” | Lacks this feature or has an ineffective imitation that does not glow correctly under UV light. |
| Color-Shifting Ink | The “20” in the bottom right corner shifts from copper to green when tilted. | Ink color remains static or changes incorrectly. |
| Raised Printing | Has a textured feel due to raised ink printing, noticeable when running fingers over it. | Typically feels flat and smooth since counterfeit printing methods lack this feature. |
| Microprinting Details | Features microprinted text such as “USA20” and “TWENTY USA” that is crisp and visible under magnification. | May have blurry or missing microprinted text. |
| Serial Number and Ink Quality | Serial numbers are evenly spaced and printed with high-quality ink that does not smudge. | Serial numbers may appear unevenly spaced, blurry, or smudge easily when rubbed. |
By paying attention to these critical details, individuals can differentiate between a fake 20-dollar bill and genuine currency, protecting themselves from financial losses.
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What To Do With Fake 20-Dollar Bill?
If you suspect you have a counterfeit 20-dollar bill, it’s important to take immediate action. It should be taken immediately after inspecting the bill for any suspicious features, such as misspellings, blurry images, or incorrect colours. Here’s what you should do-
- Compare the suspected counterfeit to a known genuine USD 20 bill. Look for differences in the texture, feel, and security features.
- If you’re confident that it is a fake 20-dollar bill or bill of any other denomination, report it to your local law enforcement agency or the nearest field office of the United States Secret Service.
This was all about detecting fake 20-dollar bills. Understanding how to check the security features in the US notes will help you avoid accepting counterfeiting dollars.
To know more about currencies, forex, education loans, the best bank accounts for students banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
FAQs on Fake 20-Dollar Bill
To spot a fake 20-dollar bill, you should feel the raised printing on the note. Look for watermarks on the unprinted area and security thread. Also, tilt the note to see colour changes in the numeral 20 at the lower right of the note.
A real 20-dollar bills have security features like a watermark, security thread, colour-shifting ink, and raised printing that helps you verify authenticity.
If you suspect fake 20-dollar bill, do not attempt to pass it on. Report the counterfeit to local authorities or your bank for further investigation.
Yes, older USD 20 bills remain valid and can be used for transactions alongside newer designs until they are gradually removed from circulation.
A counterfeit detection pen can help identify fake 20-dollar bill. They react with the ink as they contain a special iodine-based solution. It reacts with the starch in regular paper, but not with the cotton-linen blend used for real US Dollars.
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