Counterfeit Corner

This month we look at how to deter the most common types of counterfeits.

Counterfeit banknotes can be produced by simply photocopying or scanning and printing the banknote image on a paper or plastic substrate (do not be tempted!). These counterfeits will not have any of the security features simulated and are quite obviously fake, at least to us in the security industry.

So, why do these notes get passed into circulation so often?

Let’s be honest with ourselves; as much as we would love the rest of the world to appreciate the highly complex banknotes in circulation, most people simply don’t care. They believe their banknotes are genuine and have no idea about the security features carefully designed into them. Public education and awareness campaigns can give the cash handlers the information they need to authenticate currency.