1460. Counterfeiting -- 18 U.S.C. 489 (2024)

Section 489 of Title 18 prohibits the making of any token, disc, or device in the likeness or similitude of coins in the United States, except under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury. Title 18 U.S.C. §475 prohibits the making, distribution, or use of any business card, notice, placard, handbill, or advertisem*nt in the likeness or similitude of an obligation or security of the United States. Neither statute should be confused with currency counterfeiting statutes; the counterfeiting of coins is proscribed by 18 U.S.C. 485, while the counterfeiting of currency is proscribed by 18 U.S.C. § 471. Title 18 U.S.C. §§475 and 489 relate to reproductions which are made in the general design of coins or currency but which vary sufficiently in detail that they have no serious potential for use in place of genuine money.

[cited in JM9-64.111]

1460. Counterfeiting -- 18 U.S.C. 489 (2024)

FAQs

What is 18 usc counterfeiting? ›

Counterfeiting -- 18 U.S.C. 489. Section 489 of Title 18 prohibits the making of any token, disc, or device in the likeness or similitude of coins in the United States, except under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury. Title 18 U.S.C.

What is the maximum sentence for counterfeiting money? ›

The anti-counterfeiting laws passed by Congress state that whoever, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or security of the United States can be imprisoned for up to 20 years.

Is counterfeiting a federal or state crime? ›

Producing or distributing counterfeit money, or knowingly attempting to use counterfeit money, is a criminal offense under federal law.

What is the penalty for fake money orders? ›

Punishment for federal Counterfeiting can result in felony charges punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. A judge will determine your sentence based on your conduct, criminal history, and whether restitution needs to be ordered to any victim (and how much, if any!).

What is the punishment for counterfeiting coins? ›

Whoever, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or other security of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

Is 18 USC the criminal code? ›

Title 18 of the United States Code is the main criminal code of the federal government of the United States. The Title deals with federal crimes and criminal procedure.

What is a violation of 18 USC? ›

18 U.S.C. § 242

This provision makes it a crime for someone acting under color of law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. It is not necessary that the offense be motivated by racial bias or by any other animus.

How serious is counterfeit money? ›

Manufacturing counterfeit currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 471 of the United States Code and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both.

Can you go to jail for accidentally using counterfeit money? ›

Yes, you can actually be arrested for using counterfeit money, even if you didn't know it was fake. Both the federal government and local state governments impose penalties on an individual for using or attempting to use counterfeit money.

What is the jail term for counterfeiting? ›

18 U.S. Code § 471 is a federal statute that states that a person can be fined and/or imprisoned for up to 20 years if they counterfeit a security of the United States with intent to defraud.

What are three types of counterfeiting? ›

Contents
  • 1 Forgery of money or government bonds.
  • 2 Counterfeiting of documents.
  • 3 Counterfeit goods.
  • 4 Counterfeit culture.
  • 5 Anti-counterfeiting technologies.
  • 6 See also.
  • 8 External links.

Does the FBI investigate counterfeiting? ›

The FBI's intellectual property investigations focus on the theft of trade secrets and copyright infringement on products that can impact people's health and safety, like counterfeit parts for cars and electronics.

Who has the power to punish counterfeiting? ›

Article I, Section 8, Clause 6: [The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; . . .

How long will you go to jail for counterfeit money? ›

Under federal counterfeiting law, an individual convicted of creating, possessing, or using fake money may face a 20-year sentence in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

What if someone pays you in counterfeit money? ›

Contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office. These numbers can be found on the inside front page of your local telephone directory. Write your initials and the date in the white border areas of the suspect note. Limit the handling of the note.

What happens if you cash a fake money order without knowing it? ›

If you deposit a counterfeit check or money order, you will not receive any funds or, if the funds are deposited, you will have to pay the funds back even if you have already withdrawn them from your account.

What's the sentence for counterfeit money? ›

Making or using fake money is a serious crime that can get you up to 20 years in jail. Both federal and state laws punish counterfeiting, and fines can be very high. You must know the money is fake to be guilty; if it's an accident, you might not be charged.

What is the 18 USC forgery? ›

What is Forgery Under Federal Law? Title 18, Section 471 of the United States Code defines this federal crime as: “Anyone, with intent to defraud, who falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or other security of the United States is guilty of a federal offense.”

What is Title 18 USC money laundering? ›

§1956. Laundering of monetary instruments. (ii) to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under State or Federal law, shall be sentenced to a fine of not more than $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, or imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both.

What is 18 USC defraud? ›

§ 371—Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. The general conspiracy statute, 18 U.S.C. § 371, creates an offense "[i]f two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense against the United States, or to defraud the United States, or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose.

What is the 18 USC threat? ›

Section 875 of Title 18 prohibits the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of: (1) any demand or request for ransom or reward for the release of any kidnapped person; (2) a threat to kidnap or injure any person, either with or without the intent to extort; or (3) with intent to extort, a threat to injure the ...

What is 18 usc classified documents? ›

Therefore, Title 18 U.S.C. 1924 makes it a federal crime to knowingly remove classified documents or materials from their designated locations without authorization or retain them in an unauthorized area. Simply put, this federal statute deals with the unauthorized removal of classified documents.

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