Within the first month of 2025, Oklahoma has already seen at least two major incidents of fake money being used. At least there were preventative ways that these towns and businesses spotted the false bills, but does everyone have the ability to check if their bills are good? More importantly, what happens if you find yourself using a fake bill without realizing it?

Claremore, Oklahoma Shares News Of Counterfeit Money Being Used

Earlier this month, officials in Claremore, Oklahoma reminded everyone to check their bills after finding a few counterfeits circulating through the town. According to Channel 6 News, two counterfeit fifty dollar bills were used and spotted simply because they felt different.

Another Incident Of Fake Money Being Used In Oklahoma

In nearby Hobart, Oklahoma, another merchant posted on Facebook about a twenty dollar bill that someone tried to use to make change. Had it not been for the special marker and the attendant's attention to detail, they could've missed the text on the bill that explicitly labeled it as a replica.

Searchlight Thrift Store
Searchlight Thrift Store via Facebook
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Searchlight Thrift Store
Searchlight Thrift Store via Facebook
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What Cah Happen If You're Caught Using Counterfeit Money (Knowing Or Not)

Although in both occasions, no one was prosecuted for using conterfeit money, but that doesn't mean that it can't happen. In Oklahoma, anyone caught using counterfeit money can face jailtime, fines, or prison time, depending on how much money was used in the crime.

You might have an understanding officer if you make the mistake of using a bill without checking it first; or, you could have someone who takes enforcing the law very seriously. There are ways to scan through your bills and see if they are real or not. A few general ways to check are to:

  • Double-check bills for watermarks
  • Look for gradient ink
  • Check to see if the ink is raised
  • Crisp feeling

If you're planning on doing a more in-depth, check, here's what you should look out for.

How to Recognize Fake Money

If your money says "For Motion Picture Purposes Only", it's obviously fake. But what about when it might not be so obvious? The Secret Service offers these tips for analyzing your $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills to ensure it's real, legal tender.

Gallery Credit: Maria Danise

How to Spot Fake Money, Jewelry & Handbags

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