When something is counterfeit, this means that it is an illegal and unauthorized copy of something that is real and legal. Many things are counterfeit in this day and age, from purses and jewelry to computer and airplane parts and money. The real crime comes in passing these copies along to others as if they were the real thing. In the case of counterfeit goods, they are often sold for the same amount of money that the original item would cost. Forging money has been a large problem in the past, and continues to pop up in areas of the country now and then. Any involvement in any sort of counterfeiting is a felony act, punishable by law. The United States Secret Service is the government agency that has total jurisdiction over counterfeiting. It is quite the serious crime, and can get those involved a swift 15 year prison sentence. If a person was caught counterfeiting and circulating money, they can get another 15-year sentence added to the first one.