The subject of fake notes continues to be a problem in Zimbabwe. If you have never been a victim of fake notes you might think it is a small thing. In the US alone it is reported that there is roughly US$70 million of fake notes in circulation. Aside from defrauding people, fake notes have some serious negative implications. For example, fake notes can artificially increase the money supply. This can even trigger inflation plus it does create uneasiness in accepting notes. Anyways, let me share with you some of what is currently happening in Zimbabwe.
The Common Scamming Strategy Used
The subject of fake notes is usually topical and many people share their personal stories. Fake note scams are usually tied to big denominations – particularly the US$100 notes. According to Fresh In A Box owner, Kuda Musasiwa, scammers leverage human conditioning. They employ or take advantage of 4 particular strategies namely,
Urgency
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
Bait and Switch
Fast convincing talk
The Classic Modus Operandi (MO)
The scammer hands you original or original notes at first. Then after a short while, they supposedly change their mind. Maybe they can act as if they are reconsidering their purchase. They can at times act like they now want to pay using say, EcoCash or swipe, for example.
When that happens, you hand them back the real note or notes. Once they get them back they will again supposedly change their mind and decide to pay using the notes from before. However, when they hand you back the note or notes, they will hand you fake ones this time around. During that time they can employ all sorts of tricks so that you do not notice they have switched them.
Let us suppose you verified the notes initially, when they make the switch you probably might not bother to check again. The distractions will be to ensure you do not check them again. Once the transaction is complete and they have received their order they will usually speed off. Even if you notice it immediately by the time you chase after them they will be long gone. So that is the modus operandi with of course some variations from scenario to scenario.
For you to get a clear picture of how this happens, let me share some real-life examples:
A Business Owner’s Clerk Accepted US$200 Fake Notes
Here is how it happened: the clerk received US$200 as payment for goods. The scammers went into the premises as they were closing up for the day. They distracted the clerk by repeatedly changing orders. By the time they finally settled for an order, the staff were about to leave. Due to that, they did not spare time to check the genuineness of the notes. The clerk even gave the scammers US$30 change.
Warning About A Toyota Mark X – Registration Number AET 3699
A few days ago someone tweeted issuing a warning. He said there is a group of men moving around using the above-mentioned vehicle producing fake notes. He highlighted that they are into the Apple trade i.e. they buy Apple products e.g. iPhones. Someone commented on the tweet indicating that their friend lost an iPhone 12 Pro to those same men. Their friend was paid US$1200 all of which were fake notes. Another person also shared about their brother who lost a laptop to the same man again. He said the brother was given 4 fake US$100 notes. Some also said that there were over 20 active cases of people who fell victim to these men. Unfortunately, they do change the number plate from time to time. I guess that is a fair warning for you to be extremely cautious out there.
The examples of real-life stories are so many we can spend all day recounting them. This gets us to the most important part i.e. how do you identify fake notes. Most of the victims who share their experiences tend to be given fake US dollar notes – big denominations usually. So let me give a breakdown of how you can determine the authenticity of US notes.
Ascertaining The Authenticity Of US Dollar Notes
Money Checker Pens
There is a wide range of money checker pens you can buy. Most of them can be used on a wide range of currencies. It would be wise to get them from reputable sources as there are also fake or ineffective money checker pens. For example, Fawcett Security sells banknote tester pens so you can get yours from them. There is also a company called Data Copy. It specializes in providing cash handling solutions to banks, retailers, merchants, wholesalers, universities, telecom companies, and parastatals. Part of what they sell is fake note detectors pens. However, it is said that money checkers might not be 100 per cent effective at times. That brings us to the other methods:
Personally Checking For Security Features
I am dealing with US$100 notes by the way – 2013 to present series. Here is what you can look for:
Serial Numbers
Each note has a unique serial number. The first letter of that serial number denotes the series year. For example, E – 2004, G – 2004A, I – 2006, J – 2009, L – 2009A, M – 2013, and N – 2017.
Security Thread
If you hold the note to light you will an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the USA and numeral 100 in an alternating pattern. The thread is visible from both sides of the note. When illuminated with UV light, it glows pink.
3D Security Ribbon
You can tilt the note back and forth whilst focusing on the blue ribbon. You will notice the bells change to 100s as they move. When you tilt the note back and forth, the bells and 100s move side to side. If you tilt side to side, they move up and down. The ribbon is woven into (not printed on) the paper.
Bell In The Inkwell
When you tilt the note you can see the colour-shifting bell in the copper inkwell changing from copper to green. That will make the bell appear as if it is appearing and disappearing within the inkwell.
Watermark
If you hold the note to light you can look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. It is visible from both sides of the note.
Colour-Shifting Ink
When you tilt the note you can see the numeral 100 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green.
There are also other interesting tests that people have discovered over time. For example, some say if you wipe sanitiser on their surface the colour will change if it is fake. Some say you can dip the note in water, if it is fake, it will be discoloured as the ink comes off. I noted an interesting feature that someone highlighted – if you check on Benjamin Franklin’s collar you will see THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in tiny letters. You have to look closely or zoom in to notice it. All in all, you must be more vigilant nowadays.
