How can I detect a forged banknote visually?

Answer 1

Best way is with a UV lamp. You can pick up a small one for a couple of quid..see eBay for example. Normally one of the security measures used on banknotes is patterns on the note which only become visible under uv light.

The quality of the paper, the crispness of the printing are other things to look for. Another one I was told & I don't know how true it is is that if you rub a genuine bank note on a blank sheet of paper with a reasonanble amount of pressure it will leave a mark as some of the printing ink will rub off wheras a fake note wont.

Here's a link to a technical guide on the subject you may find useful.

http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/rbf/CVonline/LOCAL_COPIES/AV0506/s0128541.pdf

Answer 2

Take a sheet of clean white paper, and rub the note on it. The ink on a real banknote never dries, so you should get a smudge of colour on your paper. If you don't, it may mean you're dealing with a forged note.

Do the normal checks also, i.e. watermark, silver strip and serial numbers in the right place etc, the rub test is a little extra one.

Answer 3

Well this is how you detect it you must be able to see the queens head which is a watermark under neath a light it also the silver strip must run though the note you can see this all under an ordinary light . also feel the note an original note wiill not have ink that appears on your fingers a forgery will. any way for more information go to www.bankofengland.org.uk or contact your local bank they might be able to help you.

Answer 4

not sure visually but if you put your nail behind the solid block of colour on the bottom of the note and scrape it on paper the colour transfers as the ink there never dries

Answer 5

If it looks like monopoly money.

Depends on what currency though. If your abroad your more likely to get fobbed off with a fake note if your not used to the currency.

Answer 6

If you count enough money, you just know. It sticks out like a sore thumb.