What is the first step in handling suspected counterfeit currency?

The first step in handling suspected counterfeit currency is to compare the suspected bills to genuine bills. This step is critical because it allows you to visually identify discrepancies between the suspected counterfeit and authentic currency. Authentic bills have specific features that are difficult to replicate, such as watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink. By conducting a side-by-side comparison, you can identify noticeable differences in these security features, printing quality, and overall design.

This comparison is an essential preliminary action as it informs subsequent decisions, such as whether to notify a supervisor, utilize specific tools like a currency detector pen, or gather customer information. Each of those actions depends on the initial determination of whether the currency appears counterfeit based on the comparison to genuine money.