Six Ways To Identify Fake Naira Notes

Six Ways To Identify Fake Naira Notes

Fake notes of the new N1,000 notes have been reported to be circulating in the economy since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released the redesigned naira notes in denominations of N200, N500, and N1,000.

The CBN, on the other hand, has stated that the banknotes are protected by security features that allow for easy identification of genuine notes. However, Daily Trust highlights some guidelines for Nigerians to easily distinguish between a genuine and a counterfeit naira note.

The texture

Touch and visibility are two characteristics that distinguish fake and real notes. If the texture of the naira note is soft and the image appears dull, it is most likely a forgery. This means that you should be sensitive to the feel of the money you are given when engaging in any transaction.

Read Also House Of Reps Gives Godwin Emefiele 2 Days To Appear Over Cash Withdrawal Policy

The foil in gold

The right side of the N1,000 note has gold foil near the CBN Governor’s signature. The gold foil on a fake note peels off instantly when scratched, whereas the gold foil on an original note does not peel.

Use water or other liquid substance

Water or another liquid substance can also be used to distinguish fake currency from genuine currency. The colors used in the printing of counterfeit notes are said to be soluble in water and some other liquids.

If you are unsure about the authenticity of a Naira note, gently scrub it in water or petrol. If it’s fake money, the colors will change instantly. The colors of counterfeit money will wash off when immersed in water or any liquid, but the colors of real money will not.

Check the ribbon/thread

On all Naira notes, there is a security thread that looks like a ribbon and runs from top to bottom. This thread can be felt with a touch in the real notes. It is more pronounced on older Naira notes. However, there is something that appears to be the thread but is not. What is present in the counterfeit notes is simply a straight-line painting that resembles the thread in the original notes. Scratches on the painting will easily peel it off.

Make use of mercury bulbs.

Some characteristics of the paper Naira notes are not visible with the naked eye. These features are only found in original Naira notes and can only be seen with the aid of mercury bulbs. For example, if a genuine N1,000 note is exposed to the rays of a mercury bulb, it will reveal a shining 1000 (in numbers) written across the note. The same is true for smaller denominations.

The new Naira notes are also resistant to photocopying. There are also features that are visible under ultraviolet light, such as the serial number on each banknote, which is black but turns green when exposed to ultraviolet light.