Authorities across North America are grappling with a rise in a peculiar counterfeiting scheme: criminals are bleaching low-denomination bills and reprinting them to resemble higher denominations.

From Ones to Hundreds: The Bleaching Scheme

The scam hinges on altering $1 bills. Perpetrators reportedly use chemicals to remove the ink, essentially bleaching the bill. This creates a blank canvas for them to then reprint the bill to look like a $20, $50, or even a $100 denomination.

Law enforcement officials from Brownsville, Texas to Charlottetown, Canada have all reported incidents involving these “bleached bills.” The counterfeiters are targeting smaller businesses like gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, hoping to receive genuine cash in return for their fake bills when making small purchases.

A Continent-Wide Con?

While the geographically dispersed reports suggest a potentially widespread operation, the exact scope of the scheme remains unclear. It’s possible these incidents could be isolated or the work of multiple, unconnected criminal groups.

Also, read – Before Investing in Bitcoin Side Projects You Need To Use These 5 Cautions: Amazing Crypto Frontier

How to Spot a Bleached Bill?

Thankfully, there are ways to identify these counterfeits. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Blurry or Mismatched Ink: The reprinted ink on a bleached bill may appear faded or blurry compared to a genuine bill.
• Missing Security Features: Security features like watermarks and security threads might be absent or poorly replicated on a bleached bill.
• Rough Texture: The texture of the paper might feel different from a genuine bill, as the bleaching process can sometimes alter the paper’s feel.

Protecting Yourself

If you suspect you’ve been handed a bleached bill, it’s crucial to politely refuse the transaction and notify law enforcement. Here are some additional tips:

• Verify Bills: Develop a habit of checking the security features on any cash you receive, especially for larger denominations.
• Use Bill Pens: Consider using counterfeit detection pens that can help identify fake bills.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Don’t hesitate to report any attempts to use counterfeit bills to the authorities.

By staying vigilant and aware of this emerging counterfeiting scheme, businesses and consumers can help protect themselves from falling victim to these bleached bill scams.