Counterfeit bill and money detectors use a variety of different methods and technologies to determine the validity of a bill. Some counterfeit detectors will use one single type of detection, where others incorporate several technologies. So which type of counterfeit detection is best to use?

It’s tough to say which type of counterfeit detection is best, because different technologies have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot of it depends on the type of bill being counterfeited and the counterfeiting method used. Region can even play a roll.

Here are the best types of counterfeit detection according to our customers.

Top 6 Best Types Of Counterfeit Money Detection

1. Ink Verification – This type of detection is typically done using a pen. The pen includes an iodine-based ink that reacts to the starches found in wood. Since legitimate U.S. currency uses cotton-based fiber, there is no reaction. If there is a reaction (dark mark), the currency may be fake. The problem with this is many people now bleach bills of a lower value and re-print them with a higher amount. Pens will not catch this.
2. UV Detection – Legitimate bills have features in them that react to UV light. This is usually manifested by a brightly lit line in the bill. You can see where these lines are located based on the denomination by going here. This is a fairly effective way to combat counterfeit banknotes.
3. Magnetic Ink Detectors - Legitimate currency has magnetic properties in the ink located in certain areas on the bill. Magnetic ink detectors can be used to scan for this.
4. Watermark Detection – Most modern currencies have watermarks built into them. In the U.S. this is represented by a person. When lit from behind, this type of watermark is very easy to see.
5. Security Threads - Most legitimate U.S. currency has a security thread running vertically through it. This thread usually specifies the value in text.
6. Magnifying Glass – A magnifying glass can be used to visually identify characteristics unique to legitimate money. This often involves micro printing that cannot be easily duplicated by counterfeiters.

My personal favorite type of detector is one that incorporates both ultraviolet (UV) and magnetic (MG) detection in one machine. You can read a lot more about counterfeit detection, including pictures, by reading our counterfeit detection guide found here.

You can find our entire selection of counterfeit detectors here.

Counterfeit bills are rampant and the technology used to commit this crime is cheaper, more available and better than ever. So what can you do as a retailer or store owner to combat this? Use a counterfeit bill detector. So which model should you use? You may want to consider using the ABC 100 counterfeit detector. I have used it and this is my review.

The ABC 100 uses ultraviolet (UV) detection to determine if a bill is counterfeit. Simply place a bill under the light and it will light up the UV properties found in a bill. These properties vary depending on the denomination of the bill.

You can find more about where these UV properties are located on the bills by going here. You can read even more about counterfeit detection by reading our counterfeit detection guide found here.

The ABC 100 is a very light machine. It only about three pound shipped, so it is extremely portable and easy to move around. It does require a wall outlet to operate.

The only downside to using a UV detector like this is if you are in direct sunlight, it can be hard to see the UV light shining on the bill and the highlighted line may not show up very well. If you are having trouble seeing the UV properties on the bill, you may want to move the ABC 100 to a darker location.

Overall I am impressed with the ABC 100. It is very simple, but UV detection is one of the best ways to cut down on counterfeit bill problems. You can the ABC 100 counterfeit detector here. You can find our entire selection of counterfeit bill detectors here.

Have you ever been the victim of counterfeit money? It’s no fun. If you end up with the counterfeit money in your possession, you’re stuck with it. Banks won’t take it and the chances are pretty good that you’ll never get your merchandise back. What is the best way to cut down on this problem? A counterfeit money detector!

Counterfeit detectors come in all shapes and sizes. Some have UV lights and others have magnetic ink detectors. Based on my own experience, and what I have heard from customers, I have come up with a list of what I consider to be the top 5 best counterfeit detectors.

I hope this list helps put your mind at ease (if shopping) and points you in the right direction. Have questions about counterfeit detectors? Post a comment at the end of this post and I will do my best to answer it.

Top 5 Best Counterfeit Bill Detectors

1. ABC-75 All-Round Money Detector
2. ABC-95 Counterfeit Detector
3. Cashscan Bill Scanner
4. Cassida 3300 Counterfeit Detection System
5. MD-118 FL Portable UV Money Detector

This month we just added a new counterfeit bill detector to our Web site. This detector goes by the model number ABC 100. This compact money detector is very easy to use and is pretty lightweight. I played around with it this week, tried detecting some money and took a few pictures that you can see on the product page.  This detector uses both Ultraviolet (UV) and Watermark (MK) technology. The UV portion of the detector is turned on by use of a switch. The UV light then illuminates the bill being scanned. A bright yellow strip will be illuminated if the bill is legitimate.

The WM detector uses a fluorescent-powered backlight that makes it easy to see the watermark on a legitimate bill. I tried several different bills on the ABC 100 and it easily illuminated the presidential faces on the U.S. currency. I would recommend checking out this new counterfeit detector when you have time.