Counterfeit Pound Note: Studying abroad is an exciting experience for Indian students in the United Kingdom. However, amidst the new culture and academic challenges, it’s very important to be informed about potential risks. One such risk is the presence of counterfeit currency. As the UK primarily uses the British Pound (£), students should familiarise themselves with the security features of genuine banknotes to avoid falling victim to forex scams. Let’s understand some of the major features of counterfeit pound notes and how to identify them.
Table of contents
What is a Counterfeit Pound Note?
A counterfeit pound note is a forged or fake currency used in the UK. Counterfeiters create these imitation banknotes with the intention of defrauding students, tourists or any individuals and institutions by making them accept fake currency. Counterfeiting currency is illegal and poses a threat to the financial system, as it undermines the integrity and trust associated with official banknotes.
Mostly, tourists and international students in the United Kingdom fall victim to scammers because they are not very aware of the features of identifying the note. Check some of the major features through which you will be able to identify counterfeit currency.
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Features of Pound Note
An authentic pound note can be identified based on several factors such as the texture of the note, watermark, holographic strip, microprinting, metallic thread etc. You can easily differentiate between a counterfeit pound note and an original pound note. Let’s check all the major factors which you need to consider while identifying the original pound note:
Feel the Texture
Authentic pound notes have a distinct texture due to the high-quality cotton paper used in their production. Counterfeit notes are often printed on regular paper and lack a genuine feel. Run your fingers over the note to sense the unique texture. You will be able to differentiate as a genuine note should be slightly rougher than a fake note.
Check the Watermark
One of the most prominent security features in pound notes is the watermark. Hold the note up to the light, and you can see a portrait of the Queen. It is very difficult for the counterfeiters to replicate this feature accurately. If the watermark is blurry or missing, it’s likely a fake note. If you find this error, do not accept the note and inform the police or the bank immediately.
Inspect the Holographic Strip
All the pound notes have a holographic strip that changes colour when tilted. Authentic pound notes feature a hologram of the denomination and a series of changing colours. Counterfeit strips will lack complexity or fail to change colours correctly. This is a clear indication from which you will be able to decide whether the note is real or fake.
Examine the Raised Print
All the authentic pound notes have raised print. You can see them on the words “Bank of England” and the numerical denomination. While checking the note, run your fingers over these areas, and you should feel a distinct texture. Any note that is fake and illegal will lack this raised print or have a noticeably different feel.
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Look for the Metallic Thread
Pound notes have a metallic thread embedded within the paper. While checking the note, hold the note up to the light. You will see a metallic line running vertically. It is extremely difficult to replicate this particular feature accurately. This is why observing the metallic thread closely will help you to identify the authenticity of the pound note.
Check for Microprinting
A genuine pound note has microprinting that is very difficult to replicate with standard printing methods. Check the note closely and carefully and find the tiny letters or numbers that are crisp and clear. If this is present, the note is legal and authentic. There is a very low chance that any counterfeit notes may have the same microprinting. They will always show blurred printing or no print at all.
Verify the Color-Shifting Ink
Some newer versions of pound notes issued by the Bank of England have colour-shifting ink on the large denomination numeral. While checking the authenticity, tilt the note and check whether the colour is changing or not. If it is a counterfeit pound note, it will not exhibit this colour-shifting effect or may do so unevenly.
Important Guidelines on Identifying Fake Currency
Fake currency is a major financial threat these days. Whenever you are handling currency notes or receiving or exchanging them, stay informed and alert so that you get the authentic notes. To combat counterfeiting, the Bank of England regularly updates and enhances security features on pound notes. You always keep checking the official website of the monetary authority where they have mentioned the details on notes. Check some major guidelines below:
- Check all the features of the notes properly like watermarks, holographic strips, metallic threads etc.
- The students and individuals should be vigilant and familiarize themselves with these security features to detect counterfeit pound notes.
- Always report any suspicious currency to the relevant authorities as keeping or using fake currency is a punishable offence.
FAQs
To identify the counterfeit currency in the UK, you need to check key security features on pound notes. Start by feeling the texture, as genuine notes are printed on high-quality cotton paper, providing a distinctive feel. Check for a watermark by holding the note up to the light, where a clear portrait of the Queen or another figure should be visible.
As per the update in June 2023, the counterfeit currency in the UK is less than 0.0031% of the total banknotes which is less than 1 in 30,000 banknotes.
As per the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act, 1981, making a counterfeit of a currency note or of a protected coin for the purpose of passing or tender it as genuine is an offence.
The GBP 20 note is the most common counterfeited and forged pound note in the UK.
ATMs do have a validator to determine the dimensions, weight etc of an original currency note. However, it’s not necessary that it will detect fake notes every time. Always check the note dispensed by the ATM properly.
As an Indian student studying in the UK, it’s important to be aware of the security features of genuine pound notes. By familiarising yourself with these features, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to counterfeit currency. Always be cautious during transactions, especially in unfamiliar places, and report any suspicious notes to the authorities.
To know more about the currencies, the loan application process, the best bank accounts for students, forex and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
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