State Bank gives tips on how to identify counterfeit polymer money

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) said that counterfeit polymer money can be easily identified by hand and the naked eye through checking security factors for the public.

Statistics from the State Bank of Vietnam show that the amount of counterfeit money seized in the first 6 months of 2015 through the banking system and the State Treasury increased by 9.45% compared to the same period in 2014.

According to the analysis results of the State Bank, up to now, all types of counterfeit polymer money seized through the banking system and the State Treasury can be easily identified by hand and the naked eye through checking security factors for the public (such as: watermark, color-changing ink, hidden image elements...).

The State Bank also added that there are 5 main ways to identify and check counterfeit money. Accordingly, customers can hold the bill up to a light source; gently stroke the bill (check for indented elements); tilt the bill (check for color-changing ink, IRIODIN, and hidden images); check the transparent windows (embossed denominations and hidden images); or use a magnifying glass or ultraviolet light (check for microprints and luminescent elements).

Illustration photo.

By checking the above factors, customers can determine that the banknote they are holding is fake if it has the following signs: the watermark is not sophisticated; the letters and numbers on the security string are not clear and not sharp; when gently stroking, it only feels smooth, not rough and coarse like real money; the embossed denomination cluster on the transparent window is not sophisticated, there are no hidden image elements...

According to the State Bank of Vietnam, counterfeit money printing materials are easily stretched or torn when pulled or lightly torn at the edge of the bill, and the ink easily peels off. To confirm whether a bill is real or fake, according to this agency, consumers need to check many security factors, at least 3 to 4 of the above factors to determine whether the money is real or fake.

The State Bank recommends that consumers need to clearly understand the security features of real money, and get into the habit of checking money every time they make a cash transaction to avoid the risk of receiving counterfeit money.

For more information about Vietnamese currency, organizations and individuals can refer to the State Bank's website: http://www.sbv.gov.vn.

According to Hanoi Moi