About FakeWise: Your Guide to Counterfeit Awareness

Clear Answers Without the Mystery

FakeWise began in 2023. I created the project for people who encounter suspicious banknotes, prop money, counterfeit-related claims, or questionable documents and need calm, practical guidance. Readers often think every unusual note is counterfeit — in reality, wear, older designs, printing differences, and damage can cause confusion. The site focuses on the USA, with local context for Seattle where it helps explain reporting options, legal boundaries, and safe next steps.

Who the site is for

Before acting on a suspicious item, make sure you understand what you have and avoid passing it to someone else. FakeWise is written for:

• Consumers and small business owners
• Cashiers, collectors, and event organisers
• Film and theatre workers handling prop money
• Anyone researching counterfeit money or related documents

The Person Behind FakeWise

I am Derek Ellison. I work as a financial consultant and edit every article published on FakeWise, using my professional understanding of money, financial processes, and risk communication. I explain unfamiliar terms without assuming prior knowledge, while keeping the distinction between general information and professional advice clear. FakeWise reflects a passionate commitment to educating individuals about counterfeit money and related documents, rather than creating fear around them.

My approach

I organise each subject around a few practical questions:

• What does the term mean?
• Which warning signs deserve attention?
• What should a reader avoid doing?
• Which official authority can provide further help?

How I Prepare Each Guide

Research comes first. I compare publicly available information from relevant US authorities, including the Federal Reserve, the US Treasury, and the US Secret Service, when their guidance applies. I also review terminology, legal context, and current banknote security information before organising the material into readable sections. When guidance changes or an article becomes unclear, I revise it rather than leaving readers with outdated instructions.

Checks before publication

Before publishing or updating a page, I make sure that:

• Key statements can be traced to credible public information
• Legal and safety limits are stated plainly
• Seattle examples are relevant and not presented as nationwide rules
• Unverified sellers, prices, addresses, and contact details are excluded

Boundaries and Contact

Some information does not belong here. I do not sell counterfeit currency, prop notes, identity documents, or equipment intended to imitate protected financial materials. I also do not publish instructions for producing, altering, purchasing, or circulating illegal items. Often people assume an educational site can authenticate a note remotely — in reality, photographs and descriptions may not provide enough evidence for a reliable conclusion.

Get in touch

Before sending a message, make sure it does not include bank details, identification numbers, passwords, or sensitive document images. You can contact me about corrections, source questions, accessibility issues, or suggested topics:

• Derek Ellison
• Email: derek.ellison@bontend.com
• Location: Seattle, USA