The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 11, March 13, 2005, Article 26

COUNTERFEIT TEST FAILS

On Wednesday, March 9, 2005, the Illinois Journal-Star
published an article noting the shortcomings of a popular
test for determining counterfeit currency.

"When Scott Stanard ordered his usual sausage, egg and
cheese biscuit combo Monday morning, he got two
policemen on the side.

Stanard said the staff at McDonald's, 3600 N. University St.,
called police after he handed over a $10 bill that they said
was a fake.

"I kept wondering why they weren't giving me any change,"
said Stanard, who sat in the drive-thru lane in his work van
for several minutes before deciding to pull up and park."

Two officers arrived, talked to him and went in the restaurant
to get the alleged funny money.

"(The police) said it was old - a 1950s series $10 bill -
and the markers they use don't work on old money,"
Stanard said."

Businesses often use a special marker on the bill to test
whether the cash they receive is legitimate. If the mark
turns brown or black, it usually indicates counterfeit money,
otherwise it's the real thing."

"Pingolt recalled a Baltimore man being cuffed and arrested
recently for passing counterfeit $2 bills that later turned
out to be genuine."

To read the full story: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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