Be Alert for Fake Bills
Counterfeit (fake) bills tend to surface during various times throughout the year, perhaps more so in the month of December. As the holiday season approaches, it's a time when one spends more money by purchasing gifts and preparations for the joyous festivities.
If one is not alert during these hectic weeks, fake bills may be circulating amongst cash currency. Look for the following security features imprinted in the last series of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 dollar bills. All five denominations have the same, following features:
- Metallic Stripe - On the front and left side of the bill, the numbers and maple leaves in the metallic stripe change colour if it is tilted back and forth.
- Raised Ink – Feel for the thicker ink on the large number, the shoulder, and the words BANK OF CANADA / BANQUE DU CANADA.
- Dashes – Hold the bill up to the light and look through it. On the back and left side of the bill, the dashes become a solid line.
- Puzzle Number – Hold the bill up to the light and look through it. Irregular marks on the front and back of the bill form a complete number.
- Ghost Image - Hold the bill up to the light and look through it. A small, ghost-like image of the portrait appears.
The above-mentioned security features are illustrated at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes/
For more information, visit the page on counterfeiting prevention at the Bank of Canada web site. On the right side, there are interesting articles on preventing counterfeiting.
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