FIRMA, ABEGUEL D.

BS CRIMINOLOGY 3101

Real and Counterfeit Bills

I. Learning Objectives

To learn different ways of differentiating fake money from real money

II. Abstract

This experiment looked at the differences between counterfeit money and genuine
currency, emphasizing the criminal character of counterfeit banknotes generated
by scammers. Participants were charged with applying forensic tools to distinguish
between phony and real money. Genuine banknotes are authentic and approved
by authorized authorities, whereas counterfeit money is illegal copies of legitimate
currency.

III. Materials

➢ Fake Money
➢ Real Money – in all denomination
➢ UV light
➢ Microscope

IV. Procedure

1. Using the Naked Eye:

Study the workmanship of each denomination of genuine Bangko Sentral bank notes.
One must take note and familiarize himself or herself with the various characteristics of
the following security features:

A. PAPER— The genuine note is printed on a special paper, which is rough when one
runs his or her fingers through it. It does not glow under ultraviolet light. During the
manufacturing process of the paper, the watermark, security fibers, security threads and
iridescent band are incorporated.
 a. Watermark—This is the silhouette of the portrait appearing on the face of the note.
Sharp details of the light-and-shadow effect can be seen when the note is viewed
against the light. The contours of the features of the silhouette can be felt only by
running the fingers over the design on relatively new notes.
b. Security fibers—These are embedded red and blue visible fibers scattered at
random on both surfaces and can be readily picked off by using any pointed
instrument.
c. Embedded security thread—This is a special thread implanted vertically off center
of the note during the paper’s manufacture. It appears as broken line for 5s, 10s,
and 20s and a continuous line for 50s, 100s, 200s, 500s and 100s.
d. Windowed security thread—The narrow thread is vertically located like “stitches”
on the face of the note with “clear text” of the numerical value in repeated
sequence. It changes in color from magenta to green or green to magenta
depending on the angle of view. It appears on the improved version of 100-, 500-
and 1,000-peso and the new 200-peso notes.
e. Iridescent band—The band is a wide glistening gold vertical stripe with the
numerical value printed in series. This appears on the improved version of 100-,
500- and 1,000-peso and the new 200-peso notes.

B. PRINTING— Generally, the impression of the different printed features are well-
defined, sharp and distinct. The fingers can readily feel the main prints on the front and
back designs of relatively new notes because of the measurable thickness of ink
deposited on the paper.
a. Portrait— Appears life-like. The eyes sparkle. Shadings are formed by fine lines
that give the portrait a characteristic facial expression, which is extremely difficult
to copy.
b. Serial number—Composed of one or two prefix letters and six to seven digits,
which are clearly printed. The letters and numerals are uniform in size and
thickness, evenly spaced and well-aligned. They glow under ultraviolet light. A
bank note with six “0”-digit serial number is a specimen note and has no value as
it is not legal tender.
c. Background and lacework design—The background design is made up of
multicolored and well-defined lines. The lacework design is composed of fine, web-
like criss-crossing lines, which are continuous and traceable even at the
intersection.
d. Vignette—The design on the back of the note is composed of lines and dashes
that are fine, distinct and sharp. The varying color tone gives a vivid look to the
picture that makes it stand out.

C. ADD-ON SPECIAL FEATURES

 a. Concealed value—Found only in the 500-peso denomination. This is located in the
lower left corner of the face of the 500-peso note and is recognizable when the
note is held at eye level.
b. Optically variable ink—A special characteristic of the 1,000-peso denomination,
which is also located in the lower left corner of the face of the note. It changes
color from green to blue or blue to green when the note is held at different angles.

These security features are easily recognizable by sight and touch alone. Instruments are
not necessary. Make it a habit to feel and look at all notes being received so that the
fingers and the eyes will become familiar with the features of the genuine Bangko Sentral
notes.

2. Using UV Light
a. The money detector’s UV light will reveal a bill’s security fibers, which will appear
like tiny neon lights. One important thing to remember is that legitimate money
absorbs UV light, so it shouldn’t appear bright or reflective under the detector.
b. Place a fake bill and a real bill side by side and note the differences

3. Using Microscope
a. Place a fake bill and a real bill side by side and note the differences

V. Result of the Experimentation

A. Using Naked Eye

The unique qualities of genuine and counterfeit money can be easily distinguished with
the naked eye. Counterfeit notes lack distinguishing features inherent in genuine cash,
such as a distinct paper texture, watermark, and security thread.

B. Using UV Light

During UV light analysis, genuine banknotes may show fluorescent patterns and markings
that identify them from counterfeit notes, which may not react in the same way. Counterfeit
money does not fluoresce under UV light, however genuine currency may seem dull
during UV light testing due to its unique characteristics.

C. Using Microscope/Cellphone
Using a cellphone instead of a microscope, one can distinguish between genuine and
counterfeit cash. Counterfeit money lacks clear see-through marks and distinguishing
face features on the bill. The absence of shadow pictures on the right side is a clear
indication that a banknote is counterfeit. Counterfeit notes also lack the diversity in
textures across the surface and tactile characteristics that distinguish genuine banknotes.

VI. Discussion and Summary

When examining the bills with the naked eye, significant aspects of both specimens,
particularly the one-thousand-peso bill, emerge. Counterfeit peso notes lack government
authority and are frequently made by crooks for personal benefit, causing confusion due
to their similar likeness to legitimate currency. These counterfeit bills closely resemble
legitimate currency and might be used for fraudulent activities across the country.
Counterfeit banknotes can be recognized by meticulously scrutinizing currency and
conducting authenticity checks.

The UV Light plays an important role in distinguishing the differences of the fake and real
currency, the real money shown a fluorescence color attached to the bill. It is shining on
the light that made a security thread to glow while doing an examination while on the
other, it has no sign of glowing process on the light. This method is deliberately intended
to easily determine whether the currency is fake or real on its face. The UV Light revealed
the hidden features of the banknotes that is hidden in the naked eye that is difficult to
replicate.

Furthermore, using a cellphone as opposed to a microscope exposes monetary

differences. The security paper of genuine cash is not too smooth, as opposed to
counterfeit money, and it has distinct visual elements, particularly the currency
watermark. The examination reveals significant disparities between phony and real
money in a variety of ways.

VII. Conclusion

Finally, distinguishing between real and counterfeit currencies is critical to avoiding falling
prey to fake money schemes. Detecting counterfeits entails looking for color-shifting
connections, watermarks, paper texture, UV characteristics, and security threads.
Counterfeit currency lacks several of these characteristics, making it difficult to imitate
genuine money. The feel of the printed paper varies, with real banknotes having a shiny
and slightly gritty touch.

When comparing bills, use a genuine note of the same denomination and series as a
reference. Detecting counterfeit money is critical since its circulation can lead to criminal
activity and harm the economy by depreciating the peso. Examining money under UV
light reveals substantial discrepancies since counterfeit bills cannot mimic the
fluorescence appearance. This evaluation helps protect individuals from money
laundering and fraud, which are major issues on the internet nationwide.