PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

It is a crime to, while inside the United States, make, change, forge, or copy a bank bill from a foreign bank or company if that bill is meant to be used as money, the issuer was allowed to make it under that country's laws, and the person doing it intends to cheat others. A person who does this can be fined under federal law, jailed for up to 20 years, or both.

Title 18, §482

Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, within the United States, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any bank note or bill issued by a bank or corporation of any foreign country, and intended by the law or usage of such foreign country to circulate as money, such bank or corporation being authorized by the laws of such country, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 272 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 158, 35 Stat. 1118). Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding and assisting was omitted as unnecessary as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title. Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative. Changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2001—Pub. L. 107–56 inserted “20 years” for “two years”. 1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $2,000”.

§482 Foreign Bank Notes