Fact or Fake? How to spot fake money

The “ber” months are upon us and that only means one thing: more spending! That’s why these days, being wise with money is a must.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) gave GMA One’s “Fact or Fake?” some tips for the public at large to spot authentic banknotes from counterfeit bills.

BSP Currency Issue and Integrity Officer Fernando de Leon noted three things are in order when checking the authenticity of banknotes—feel, look, and tilt.

Feel the banknote and check the “Republika ng Pilipinas” markings and the portraits. The paper must feel rough as though the prints are slightly elevated as the prints are actually embossed. If the bill is too smooth, it is most likely a fake.

Look at the bill and scrutinize the printing. Authentic bills have detailed prints, even the hairs of the Philippine heroes contain watermarks that are revealed when the banknote is held against the light, while security fibers show under electronic detectors.

Tilt the bill and review if the concealed value of the banknote corresponds with the value printed.

Remember: feel, look, and tilt. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News