Criminals have been attempting to forge currency since the beginning of time. Counterfeiting has been around since before coins and banknotes were even a concept. Although counterfeiting has been around for a long time, it has current consequences.
Furthermore, counterfeiters have developed increasingly sophisticated techniques throughout time, making it nearly impossible to tell a fake from the genuine one because there is a rise in counterfeit currency. Your company is more likely to take counterfeit currency on many occasions because most of it is distributed in a minimal area.
1. How to Spot Counterfeit Currency
Businesses can safeguard themselves from the threat of counterfeit currency in several ways.
2. Verify the Presence of Fading Ink
Examining whether the monetary value in the bottom right corner is printed with color-changing ink can be a quick and easy approach to determining undetectable counterfeits. You can watch the number change from green to black or gold to green if you tilt the bill from side to side.
Color-changing ink has been introduced as an extra layer of protection to any bills printed since 1996 that aren’t $1 or $2.
3. Make Sure the Watermark Is Correct
The watermark is an excellent method of identifying genuine banknotes because it is nearly impossible to fabricate, even by the most skilled counterfeiters. Since 1996, all $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills and all $5 bills since 1999 have included a watermark, often depicting the person featured on the bill.
Put the bill in the light to see if the watermark looks real. There shouldn’t be any other time it’s out in the open. Without bright illumination, it is possible to see through a counterfeit bill. Verify that the watermark is a replica of the currency design.
4. Look at the Serial Numbers
Scrutinize bills to ensure that their serial numbers are the same. The serial digits on fake bills may need to be found or correctly spaced. Each serial number’s initial letter should also represent a unique printing year. Contradictions between the bill’s serial number and the year it was printed indicate that it is fake.
Another tip: If you have reason to suspect multiple invoices, compare their serial numbers to see if they add up.
5. Notice the Bill’s Surface Texture
Employees who deal with money regularly may suspect that the bills they receive don’t add up. No commercial source sells the paper used to print the actual tender. Also, the details of its construction are classified.
Because of these safety mechanisms, counterfeiters have to get quite precise with their copies. They rarely work, but you can easily recognize counterfeit dollars if you pay attention to their texture.
The ink on genuine currency will be elevated as well. Especially on a brand-new bill, the texture may be felt when run through your fingers.
6. Verify if there is Any Blurring
Certain counterfeit banknotes may have noticeable blurriness in the borders, writing, or portraits due to the printing limitations of most would-be counterfeiters. Real money is printed with cutting-edge microprinting and die-cut printing plates, which results in crisp, thin lines, so these hazy details aren’t typical.
Counterfeiters routinely compromise image quality despite their best efforts.
Ways Businesses can Protect Themselves from Counterfeit Money
Here are some preventative steps you can take to ease your mind. Provide your staff with the necessary training to identify counterfeit currency
A trained eye will be better able to detect fake currency than one without such training. You can take advantage of the wealth of information available on the web. You can hire a trainer for your staff as well. Inquire at your neighborhood’s financial institutions and law enforcement about anti-counterfeiting initiatives.
The portrait should be visible when the bill is held up to the light, the serial numbers should be legible and centred, the bill’s paper should not feel slicker or thinner than usual, and the bill’s serial numbers should be aligned with one another.
Advise your clientele that they need not worry about upsetting anyone by validating the authenticity of any cash they receive. It is also recommended that they instruct their staff to keep an eye out for any odd conduct that might signal the presence of counterfeiters.
Technology can also be used to Fight Against Counterfeit Currency Successfully
Since counterfeiters have become skilled at manufacturing currencies that nearly resemble authentic notes, counterfeit detection equipment that can rapidly scan notes and inform of any phoney bills is a valuable tool.
The most sophisticated counterfeit detection instruments include ultraviolet lights, counterfeit detecting pens, magnetic ink detectors, infrared viewers, and machine-readable character devices. The customer’s budget and the frequency with which cash is handled will determine the machine selected.
Be Prepared for what to do if you Find Counterfeit Currency
This involves turning over the cash to the police for confiscation. In some cases, suggest that the client use funds from a different bill to cover the cost of the current one. I suggest the client keep a written record of the incident while waiting for the authorities to arrive. The individual who gave you the money, the setting, the time, and the place all play a role.
Keep your hands off the note as much as possible so law enforcement can track down the counterfeiters. If the police check the bill and find it legitimate, they will return it to you along with a receipt.
Your Assets Might Be Safe from Fake Currency If You Have Insurance
Losses from counterfeiting can be challenging to recoup because the counterfeiters are rarely the same people who pass on the money to the victim. This can force companies, especially those selling expensive goods and services, into the unenviable situation of absorbing a significant financial loss through no fault.
Commercial crime policies make it possible, and within budget, to manage and transfer the risk of losses due to counterfeiting. Your crime coverage will entirely reimburse your business if you take cash, a money order, or a check later determined to be counterfeit.
Bottom Line
If a counterfeiter gives your company counterfeit currency and you give them goods or services in exchange, you have effectively given them your money. This is because whoever is left with a fake note or coin must take full responsibility for the loss. Nonetheless, you don’t have to lose much money to counterfeit. You will see fewer instances of counterfeiting if you take action to combat it.
