Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast How I Caught The World's Best Counterfeiter | Secret Service Agent Brad Beeler
Jan 8, 2026
Brad Beeler, a former Secret Service agent, shares thrilling tales from his years tracking a master counterfeiter. He discusses the intricate methods of counterfeiting and how genuine currency is made, revealing secrets of the trade. Brad also highlights the complexities of interstate investigations and the shocking legal twists that led to a counterfeiter's temporary freedom. The conversation dives into his transition to polygraph work, the psychology behind false confessions, and his innovative communication techniques, making it a captivating listen.
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Starting In Counterfeit Work
- Brad Beeler describes joining the Secret Service and being assigned to counterfeit investigations in Chicago early in his career.
- He recounts intensive background checks, polygraphs, and field training that prepared him for street work.
How Genuine Currency Is Made
- Genuine U.S. currency combines cotton/linen paper, engraved plates, and typographic stamping that counterfeiters try to mimic.
- Understanding how real bills are made lets investigators spot varied counterfeiting methods as counterfeit by definition.
Chasing 'Art' The Counterfeiter
- Brad tells a years-long case chasing a master counterfeiter known as 'Art' who passed high-quality sandwich-style notes.
- The cast of witnesses repeatedly described the same six-foot, 200-pound man named Art, helping build the investigation picture.
