The widespread use of U.S. currency abroad, together with the outdated security features of the currency, makes it a vulnerable target for international counterfeiting. The Secret Service conducts investigations of counterfeiting activities and provides counterfeit-detection training. According to law enforcement officials, counterfeiters run the gamut from office workers to organized crime and terrorist groups, and the equipment used for counterfeiting U.S. currency ranges from photocopiers to sophisticated offset presses. Moreover, the quality of counterfeit notes varies significantly. Other counterfeit-detection devices used abroad, like ultraviolet lights, did not work effectively on U.S. currency. Treasury Department to Introduce Currency Redesign

To combat counterfeiting both domestically and abroad, the Treasury is redesigning U.S. currency to incorporate more security features intended to combat rapid advances in reprographic technology. U.S. Efforts to Eradicate the Superdollar

The U.S. government has undertaken special efforts to eradicate the highest-quality counterfeit note—the Superdollar. Additional copies are $2 each.
Why GAO Did This Study

GAO discussed U.S. efforts to combat international counterfeiting of U.S. currency.

What GAO Found

GAO noted that: (1) U.S. currency is vulnerable to international counterfeiting because it is widely used abroad and lacks updated security features; (2) counterfeiters range from office workers to organized crime and terrorist groups using equipment ranging from simple photocopiers to sophisticated offset presses; (3) the U.S. government is particularly concerned about a high-quality counterfeit note known as the "Superdollar" and rapid advances in photographic and printing devices; (4) U.S. agencies' and foreign governments' views on the extent and significance of counterfeit U.S. notes vary, and U.S. counterfeit-detection activities are limited and inconclusive; and (5) to deter international counterfeiting, the Department of the Treasury is redesigning U.S. currency to incorporate more security features, the Secret Service has gathered additional information on counterfeiting and provided counterfeit-detection training, and the U.S. government is using international and interagency task forces and diplomatic efforts to eradicate the Superdollar.