Gardaí are warning business owners and the public to be vigilant, following reports of counterfeit notes being tendered in North Clare over the weekend.
They’re reminding peope that anyone who believes they’re in possession of a suspect counterfeit note is obliged to submit it to their local financial institution, the Gardaí, or the Central Bank’s National Analysis Centre.
There are many security features incorporated into banknotes that make them difficult to recreate.
Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Triona Brooks says many of these features can be checked manually, using the 3 step Feel-Look-Tilt security check test.
Feel – Most notes are embossed, usually the writing or the logo. The note should feel crisp, not limp, waxy or shiny. Security paper and special printing processes give banknotes a unique feel.
Look – Print lines should be sharp and well defined with no blurred edges. The colours should be clear and distinct with no hazy fringes.
Tilt -– Check for the watermark image and security thread. The watermark should be hardly apparent until the note is held against a bright light source.
“For all bank notes, do not rely on just one feature to assess whether a note is genuine, check a few and if in doubt refer the item to your local financial institution” Sergeant Brooks concluded.
