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What to do if…
cash you received in a sale may be counterfeit

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Keep the suspected bills separate from genuine cash and do not try to spend, exchange, return, or otherwise pass them. Contact your local police promptly and ask how to surrender the bills safely.

Do not do these things

  • Do not try to use the bills or give them to someone else.
  • Do not mix the bills with genuine cash.
  • Do not confront, threaten, follow, or arrange another meeting with the buyer.
  • Do not post the buyer’s name, photograph, address, or other personal details publicly.
  • Do not rely on a counterfeit-detection pen as the only check.
  • Avoid marking, damaging, or repeatedly handling the bills.
  • Do not delete the sale listing, messages, call history, receipt, or payment discussion.

What to do now

  1. Place the suspected bills apart from genuine cash, such as in a clean envelope, and minimize further handling.
  2. Check the official security features for the bill’s denomination and design. Security features differ between denominations, and counterfeit-detection pens are not always accurate.
  3. Write down the sale amount, date, approximate time, location, item sold, and how the meeting was arranged.
  4. Save the listing, messages, usernames, phone numbers, receipts, photographs, and other records already connected with the sale.
  5. Record what you remember about the buyer and any vehicle, including physical characteristics, license plate, make, model, and color. Do not contact or follow the buyer to gather more information.
  6. Notify your local police department promptly. Explain that you received suspected counterfeit cash in a sale and ask how they want you to provide the bills and transaction records.
  7. You can also contact your local United States Secret Service field office for reporting instructions.
  8. Follow the instructions from law enforcement and release the suspected bills as soon as requested.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to pursue the buyer, recover the sold item, seek reimbursement, contact a marketplace, change how you accept future payments, or take legal action. First separate the bills, preserve the records you already have, and report the situation.

Important reassurance

You do not need to prove that the cash is counterfeit before reporting your concern. Genuine bills can have different designs and security features, and detection pens can give false results. Keeping the bills out of circulation and contacting the appropriate authorities are useful immediate steps.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Questions about recovering money or property, dealing with a marketplace, insurance, or possible legal action may require help from law enforcement, the platform involved, or an appropriate professional.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting and evidence-handling procedures may vary, so follow the instructions given by your local police or the United States Secret Service.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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