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Guide to Counterfeit Money Detection
False bank notes can be innocently carried by unaware consumers.
During busy trading periods. they are actively peddled in
large numbers by professional fraudsters taking advantage
of long queues and stressed checkout staff. Fake or forged
bank notes are confiscated by banks leaving retailers with
no recourse. A single counterfeit banknote can wipe out your
margin on one or several sales. Protect yourself with a reliable
fake money detector from Primemark which can test for ultra-violet
markings, water marks, metal threads and magnetic ink.
The use of automated specialist equipment for counterfeit
note detection is a very important requirement to help reduce
losses in retail and banking environments. Primemark takes
counterfeiting very seriously and we offer a range of tried
and tested products to our customers to help them secure their
businesses.
Due to superior security features on most currencies,
it is virtually impossible for criminals to produce 100% accurate
counterfeit notes, yet most counterfeits pass as genuine notes
simply due to the cashiers failure to carry out basic checks
or absence of counterfeit note detection equipment.
Production of counterfeit notes is a skilled crime with professional
criminals utilising advanced scanning and printing technologies
to produce large quantities of high quality fake notes. With
the ready availability of such equipment at relatively low
prices, financial counterfeiting is on the increase and there
are significant numbers of forged notes circulating in the
marketplace - either intentionally by organised criminal gangs
or unwittingly by innocent retailers or consumers who have
been duped. Unsuspecting retailers and banks lose millions
every year from counterfeit note scams.
Counterfeit money production no longer requires a factory
with large, expensive equipment and consumables. Fake money
is now produced in bedrooms with simple tools such as a PC,
a scanner/copier, commonly available chemicals and a colour
printer.
According to Bank of England figures, in 2005 £10million
of counterfeit notes were taken out of circulaton. Comparative
estimates from the Federal Reserve and US Secret Service for
fake US Dollars officially admit that the annual problem could
be in excess of $108million. The European Central Bank (ECB)
and InterPol figures reveal increasing levels of fake Euro
notes with many notes originating from Eastern Europe and
being very high quality counterfeits.
The infamous “super dollar” is an example of
a high-quality counterfeit banknote, where the US Secret Service
- whose responsibilities including providing the bodyguard
for the US President as well as tracking dollar counterfeiting
– is required to use forensic testing and sophisticated
counterfeit detection equipment to verify suspect banknotes.
The above figures are for 3 of the world's leading currencies
which have advanced security features. It can be projected
that fake notes for other currencies is also significantly
high. Examples include Indian and Pakistani Rupees, South
African Rand, Japanese Yen , Chinese Yuan as well as Canadian
and Australian dollars, Daily newspaper headlines in such
countries confirm the high level of counterfeit activity that
occurs.
The work of cashiers in retail stores, banks and exchange
bureau is made more difficult when the financial establishment
or retail operation deals in multiple currencies. Staff may
not always be familiar with the different methods of security
verification on foreign currency notes. During busy trading
periods such as during sales seasons or national holiday periods,
criminal gangs are known to target busy stores where they
know cashiers are stressed and under pressure to complete
transactions quickly.
Primemark's counterfeit detection equipment provides a number
of instant fake note detection capabilities. The cash tester
technology can also be used to identify security marks on
genuine passports, driving licenses, travellers cheques and
ID cards.
There are numerous visual and physical checks that cashiers
and security staff can deploy to check bank notes. For the
main currencies (£Sterling, Euro, USD), these are detailed
in the currency section below. Some checks however cannot
be performed unaided or by the naked eye, and thats where
Primemark's special detection equipment fits in.
The main types of automated security check are as follows:-
UltraViolet:
Many currencies such as £Sterling, Euro and US Dollars
feature hidden symbols and/or lettering which is only visible
under good quality UltraViolet light. This can either be numbers
or digits in specific colours, as well as lines and symbols
in particular positions.
Watermark:
Watermark images are made on genuine notes during the note
production process. The watermark image (made up of contrasting
dark and light areas) is visible under light. Watermarks do
not copy on colour copiers or scanners, thus making watermark
detection an effective technique to detect fake notes.
Metal Thread (MT):
Many currencies feature a thin metal security thread which
runs through the inner layer of the paper. In some currencies,
the thread also glows under ultraviolet light. Different denominations
can also contain the thread in different positions to further
aid counterfeit detection.
Magnetic Ink (MG):
Some currencies such as Euros and US Dollars feature text
written in magnetic ink.
Size Detection:
Size detection is an important security check as many fraudsters
'bleach' low-value notes and re-print them as higher-value
notes. The paper still retains its other features so can be
difficult to detect with other types of security check. Size
detection therefore provides a safe means of identifying this
type of fraud. There are different types of size-detection
technology some note counting machines will check the height
and thickness of the banknote (DD). Advanced size detection
will check the height, thickness and length of each banknote.
Infrared:
Using infrared technology on banknote paper, it is possible
to determine the average density of the paper. When compared
to known densities of specific currencies and note denominations,
it is possible to highlight fake notes using this security
technique.
Micro-Printing:
This technology prints minute text in patterns on particular
positions on the bank note. The text is very difficult to
re-produce using most copying equipment and is not readable
by the human eye. A strong magnifying glass allows the micro
text to be identified.
Security Features of the main world currencies
We explain below the security attributes of £Sterling,
Euro and USD banknotes as well as some other commonly used/exchanged
currencies. Many of the checks can be performed quickly, easily
and effectively using Primemark's range of fake note detection
equipment.
This information is valid as at 26th December 2006. As issuing
instituitions continually revise the features and attributes
of their currencies in an ongoing fight against counterfeiting,
this information is subject to change and we will endeavour
to update the Primemark website in line with these banknote
revisions.
Please note: If a note does not have a particular security
feature described below, that does not always necessarily
mean it is a fake. It could be an older issue note that does
not have the feature. Use the other security checks to aid
verification. Consult your bank, local police or your organisation's
security staff for further advice.
If you do detect a fake note as a cashier, you should follow
your organisations standard security policy - in most cases
this involves NOT returning the note to the consumer but asking
them to wait (stating some other reason eg. a till problem)
while you call a colleague/manager who can discreetly alert
store security / bodyguard or the police. Remember, the presenter
could be an innocent consumer who has been given the forged
note elsewhere, or they could be a fraudster who is part of
a gang distributing fake notes. It is a criminal offence in
most countries to keep, knowingly pass on or use counterfeit
notes. If you gain possession of a counterfeit note, you should
hand it in to your local police as soon as possible.
| Security
Checks on £Sterling Notes |
| Below
are listed some of the many security checks that can
be performed on £Sterling bank notes to ensure
they are genuine. Some of these checks can be automated
with Primemark's more sophisticated note counting machines
and fake note detectors.
Note
Size:
Each denomination gets larger in size. So a £10
note is larger than a £5 note, a £20 note
is larger than a £10 note, and a £50 note
is larger than a £20 note. While this may appear
obvious, many counterfeit notes are produced by 'bleaching'
lower-value notes and re-printing them as a higher-value
note. (It is for this reason that fake-note detector
pens are not 100% effective).
Approximate
£Sterling Note Sizes
£5 notes: 135mm x 70mm
£10 notes: 142mm x 75mm
£20 notes: 149mm x 80mm
£50 notes: 156mm x 85mm
Note Colour:
Each denomination features a primary base colour. £5
notes are green, £10 notes are brown, £20
notes are lilac and £50 notes are red.
Famous Portraits:
Each note denomination features a different famous persons
portrait on the reverse. Current issue £5 notes
feature Elizabeth Fry (George Stephenson on older notes)
on the reverse, £10 notes feature Charles Darwin
(Charles Dickens on older notes), £20 notes feature
economist Adam Smith (Sir Edward Elgar and Michael Faraday
on older notes) and £50 notes feature Sir John
Houblon.
Note Symbol:
Each bank note denomination features a different shape
symbol on the front at the bottom-left with the letters
EnR printed in large letters. £5 notes feature
a solid green circle with white lettering. £10
notes feature an orange quadrangle with dark orange
arrows in each corner and dark-orange lettering. £20
notes feature a lilac square box with black lettering.
£50 notes feature a red triangle.
Paper Type:
The feel of the note paper on genuine notes is distinct.
Fake notes may have a limp or waxy feel.
Metallic Thread:
Each bank note has a metallic thread embedded through
it. On £5, £10 and £20 notes these
can be seen as silver dashes on the back of the note.
On £50 notes, the silver dashes appear on the
front of the note. In each case, when held up to light,
the thread appears as a continuous black line.
Watermark:
When held up to light, a watermark image of the Queen
can be seen in the oval-shaped area at the bottom-middle
of each note.
Print Quality:
All text and numbers on both sides of the note should
appear crisp and clear. Fake notes may have blurred
or smudged print.
Hologram:
Each £5, £10 and £20 note will have
a metallic hologram. If the note is tilted, the image
on the hologram will vary between showing the note-value
and an image of the Queen.
Ultra-Violet Lettering:
When viewed with Ultra-Violet light, the £5, £10
and £20 note will show bright red and green digits
with the value of the note on a dark background.
Micro Lettering:
Using a magnfying glass, you will see tiny print (letters
and numbers) below the Queen's portrait showing the
value of the note.
Raised Print:
Some lettering on the front of the note will be in raised
print. For example, the text 'Bank of England' can be
felt if you run your finger across the front of the
note.
Foil on £50 Note:
On the front of £50 notes, there is a foil patch
to the right of the Queen's picture. This contains the
reflective image of a rose and a medallion.
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| Security
Checks on Euros |
| With
the adoption of the Euro as an international currency
and the expansion of the European Union (EU), this has
resulted in increased counterfeit banknote activity,
particularly from Eastern Europe where high quality
fake notes have been known to be produced in large quantities.
Euro note denominations
are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100,
€200 and €500.
The main features
on Euros are the hologram, the watermark, the see-through
number, raised print in some areas, the glossy stripe
(on €5, €10, €20), colour-changing numbers
(on €50, €100, €200 and €500) and
the security thread.
Feel:
Euros are manufactured from pure cotton so should feel
crisp and firm. Fake notes will tend to feel limpy or
waxy.
Raised Print:
The ink on the main image is raised. Run your finger
over to feel it, it will feel thicker in this area,
as well as on the lettering and numeric value digits
on the front of each Euro. Additionally, on the bottom
edge of €200, there is a raised mark as well as
on the right-hand edge of the €500 note.
See-through Number:
This applies to the value printed on the top corner
of the note. Part of each digit is printed on one side,
and the other part on the reverse side. So when you
hold the note up against light, you will see the complete
digits.
Watermark:
This can be seen against light. The light areas of the
note will appear dark on genuine notes.
Security Thread:
The thread will be visible when the note is held against
light. It will appear as a dark line with the text 'Euro'
printed on it.
Perforations:
On the hologram on each Euro note,
there are perforations which form the '€' symbol.
There are also tiny number showing the numeric value
of the note.
Hologram patch:
On €50, €100, €20 and €500 bank
notes, the image on the hologram patch will change between
the note value and a window or doorway when the note
is tilted.
Colour Changing
numbers:
On €50, €100, €20 and €500 bank
notes, the value numeral on the reverse of the note
will change in colour from our purple to olive green
or brown when the note is tilted.
Microprinting:
There will be tiny text on the front of the note in
some areas. One area is the area which reads "EYPQ"
(Euro in Greek) on the front. A magnifying glass will
reveal the micro text which should appear crisp.
Ultraviolet marks:
Under good quality UV light (using
Primemark's UV detection equipment) you can detect the
UV marks on the Euro notes. The paper itself should
not glow. Fibres within the paper should glow red, blue
and green. The EU flag should appear green with orange
stars. The ECB President's signature should appear green.
The map, bridge and numeric value on the back of the
note should appear yellow.
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| Security
Checks on US Dollars |
| US
Dollars are by far the most counterfeited notes with
large numbers of fake notes in existence worldwide.
It is therefore important for cashiers and security
staff to be able to identify the various security featues
on the bank notes.
Current US Dollar denominations are $1, $2, $5, $10,
$20, $50 and $100.
The main security
features on US Dollars include: the watermark portrait
on the front and back of the bill, a security thread
in the fiber of the bill which glows under UV light,
additional micro printing, and color-shifting ink in
the lower right-hand corner.
Images:
Each denomination features different images as follows:-
$1 - George Washington (front), Great Seal of the United
States (reverse)
$2 - Thomas Jefferson (front), Declaration of Independence
(reverse)
$5 - Abraham Lincoln (front), The Lincoln Memorial (reverse)
$10 - Alexander Hamilton (front), US Treasury (reverse)
$20 - Andrew Jackson (front), The Whitehouse (reverse)
$50 - Ulysses S Grant (front), US Capitol (reverse)
$100 - Benjamin Franklin (front), Independence Hall
(reverse)
Security thread:
Under ultra-violet light, there is a thread to the left
of the main portrait on the note. The thread glows blue
on a $5 note, orange on a $10 note, green on a $20 note,
it glows yellow on a $50 note and red/orange on a $100
note. The threads on the new $5, $10, $20 and $50 have
a printed denominiation value as well as graphics.
Watermark:
On the right of the main figure on the note, there will
be a watermark image of the same figure.
Colour-shifting Ink:
The digits at the bottom right of the note will appear
green when viewed straight on. When viewed at an angle.
the digits will appear black.
Fine-Line Printing
Patterns:
These special line structures are found on the front
of each note behind the portrait and also on the back
of each note (around the historic building picture).
Low Vision Feature:
The new $5, $10, $20 and 50$ notes have a large dark
numeral on a light background on the lower right corner
of the back.
Microprinting:
This tiny print appears as an ordinary line to the naked
eye, but when viewed with a magnifying glass the lettering
becomes readable.On the newly designed $5, microprinting
can be found in the side borders and along the lower
edge of the portrait's frame on the face of the note.
On the new $10, microprinting appears in the numeral
"10" in the lower left-hand corner and along
the lower edge of the portrait's frame on the face of
the note. On the new $20 notes, microprinting appears
in the lower left corner numeral and along the lower
edge ornamentation of the oval framing the portrait.
On the $50 notes, microprinting appears on the side
borders and in Ulysses Grant's collar. On the $100 notes,
microprinting appears in the lower left corner numeral
and on Benjamin Franklin's coat.
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Other reference information on detection of counterfeit notes:
Can't See What you Want?
If you wish to discuss your fake note detecting requirements,
call us for helpful advice. Our website displays our most
popular counterfeit note detectors although we have a much
wider range available as well as replacement parts and accessories
and related products. Please to check for a particular item.
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