Abstract: The system and method described herein may validate and trace currency serial numbers, which may be extracted from the currency with a mobile telephone camera. The mobile telephone may use a messaging service to transmit the extracted serial numbers to a data processing facility, which may then compare the serial numbers transmitted from the mobile telephone to a list that includes information identifying currencies that are invalid, counterfeit, or known to be associated with criminal activities. In response to the extracted serial numbers matching any of the identifying information in the list, the currency may be deemed invalid. Furthermore, biometric information or information read from identification documents associated with an individual using the invalid or wanted currency may be obtained to help later identify the individual, and triangulation techniques may be used to track the mobile telephone and apprehend the individual.