The USSS and Counterfeiting

On July 5, 1865, the United States Secret Service (USSS) was created within the U.S. Department of the Treasury with the sole mission of suppressing counterfeit currency. The USSS has exclusive jurisdiction for investigations involving the counterfeiting of United States obligations and securities. Some of the counterfeited United States obligations and securities commonly dealt with by the USSS include U.S. currency and coins; U.S. Treasury checks; Department of Agriculture food coupons and U.S. postage stamps. The USSS remains committed to the mission of combating counterfeiting by working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as foreign law enforcement agencies, to aggressively pursue counterfeiters. To perform at the highest level, the USSS constantly reviews the latest reprographic/lithographic technologies to keep a step ahead of the counterfeiters. The USSS maintains a working relationship with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Federal Reserve System to ensure the integrity of our currency.