The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has stated that counterfeiting activities has increased substantially, warning people to be vigilant.
“In 2018 alone, CBSI had recorded $3,600 or (36 pieces of $100 fake notes) as compared to only $1,100 in 2017 and $600 in 2016,” the CBSI said in a prepared statement.
“As technology increases, the risk also increases. More ways to produce counterfeit notes are invented. Counterfeiters are smart, they would go the extra mile to make a banknote look real to deceive people. Usually the counterfeiters use computers/color photocopiers/scanners (technology) to do counterfeiting of our money.”
The statement says that the public needs to be on alert and need to be able to identify the security features of any banknote and differentiate a counterfeit note from a genuine one.
So how can we differentiate a real banknote from a counterfeit banknote? Look out for the following features;
- Woven silver thread line.
- Watermark depicting eagles head (new series) it is visible from both sides of the banknotes.
- Silver dual image hologram on $50.00 and $100.00.
- Color and texture of banknotes, color should stand out and should be rough when feel with hands.
- Look for electrotype (word CBSI) at the background when hold against light.
- Block of invisible inks on the surface of the notes.
- Red fluorescent serial numbering, sizes and edges are even.
- Do a simple color test by rubbing against a white paper, the color of the note will be noticed on the paper.
The CBSI is encouraging the public hold onto any suspected banknote and not re-circulate it.
“The recent records on counterfeit activities indicates that it is still pursued by some members of the public. Therefore, the public is strongly reminded to always be on alert and quickly report to us any suspected counterfeit activities for investigation.”