| As criminals use increasingly sophisticated technology | | | | There are a number of tools and devices on the |
| to produce counterfeit notes, fakes become higher in | | | | market to help you spot counterfeit notes, including |
| quality and more difficult to spot. So what are the | | | | pens and ultra violet lights. Most counterfeit detector |
| best ways of detecting counterfeit money? | | | | pens leave a coloured mark on a note if it is fake, |
| The easiest and perhaps most effective way for | | | | and pens are relatively cheap to buy. Ultra violet |
| individuals to spot a counterfeit note is by picking it | | | | lamps are a more expensive solution but useful for |
| up and having a good look and feel. Counterfeit | | | | businesses who need to check a large volume of |
| notes feel different; often the paper feels smoother | | | | notes. |
| and has a different texture from a genuine note. | | | | Police advise that the best way to avoid being |
| Immediate signs to look out for include smudged or ill | | | | conned with fake money is by using counterfeit |
| defined printing, and an irregular shape. | | | | detection tools in conjunction with visual checks. |
| Start by holding the note up to the light. Every | | | | Counterfeit crime is still a serious issue in the UK and |
| sterling note in circulation should have a watermark | | | | criminals use more sophisticated technology to |
| featuring a picture of the Queen; if its not there, it's | | | | produce better quality fakes. Companies producing |
| a fake. Likewise if the watermark is printed on top | | | | anti-counterfeit technology therefore attempt to |
| of the note, it is also a counterfeit. | | | | keep pace with counterfeiters by developing new |
| All genuine notes have a solid, very thin strip of silver | | | | devices and machines to detect fakes. |
| running across them. Although the line initially looks | | | | Several counterfeit detection tools available in the UK |
| solid, when held up to the light it should be apparent | | | | can now detect fake bank notes in other currencies |
| that the metal has been sewn through the note. | | | | such as the Euro, Dollar and even the Yen. The most |
| Counterfeiters sometimes attempt to "hot foil" a | | | | sophisticated note scanners use magnetic systems, |
| strip of metal onto fake notes, something else to | | | | infrared and 4D scanning technology to help |
| look out for. | | | | businesses identify counterfeit currency. |
| Genuine notes have a serial number which is unique | | | | If you do discover a counterfeit banknote, you are |
| to each and every note. Should you ever receive | | | | legally obliged to report it to the police as passing |
| two notes with the same serial number at least one | | | | counterfeit notes on to another person is against the |
| must be a fake. Take a good look at the hologram | | | | law. There is no compensation available to individuals |
| on your note too; counterfeiters often try to use an | | | | who discover fake money, making it important to be |
| ultra fine foil instead of the high quality hologram | | | | vigilant and avoid falling victim to counterfeit criminals. |
| found on a genuine note. | | | | |