Despite the growing popularity of QR codes for swift and convenient transactions, it’s still essential to exercise caution when dealing with cash. The last thing anyone wants is the disheartening discovery that their hard-earned money is counterfeit notes.
Recently, Annz Qsta Yong took to Facebook to highlight a concerning issue involving counterfeit RM50 notes circulating in Malaysia. In her post, Yong shared an intriguing photo of two RM50 notes that, at first glance, appeared nearly identical. However, a closer look revealed a peculiar detail: the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad, depicted on one of the notes seemed to be smiling, marking it as counterfeit.
Yong stressed the importance of scrutinizing RM50 and RM100 notes during cash transactions to avoid counterfeit notes. “Always inspect them carefully!” she urged, advising Malaysians to remain vigilant and avoid accepting notes that feature a “smiling Agong head,” as these are counterfeit.
Since its publication, Yong’s post has gone viral, amassing over 3.7k shares and sparking a mixture of amusement and concern among Malaysians. One user, Samuel, humorously remarked, “I don’t know why, but seeing him smile makes me want to smile too.”
The post also prompted speculation from other netizens. One user pondered whether the note could be a special edition, given the conspicuous flaw. “I think it’s a genuine banknote, probably a limited edition. Counterfeit notes wouldn’t show such an obvious flaw, right?” they questioned.
In light of these revelations, Malaysians are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and meticulously check their cash to avoid falling prey to counterfeit notes. Recognizing counterfeit notes is crucial in safeguarding your finances, especially with the increasing sophistication of counterfeit operations.
Here are the tips on spotting counterfeit cash, courtesy of Bank Negara Malaysia.
How to Spot Counterfeit Banknotes
FEEL
Feel the texture of the banknote. Genuine paper notes are rough and have a raised print on the portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the text. Polymer notes, made of special plastic, also feature a raised print effect on the portrait and text.
LOOK
Hold the banknote up to a white light source. A genuine note will reveal a 3-dimensional watermark portrait, a perfect see-through register, and a clear window. Additionally, a continuous dark line of the security thread should appear.
TILT
Hold the banknote straight and tilt it. Observe the image and color change at the security thread and the colored glossy patch. These changes are indicators of a genuine note.
CHECK
Use simple tools to further verify the authenticity. Under a UV light device, the genuine paper substrate will not glow except for selected security features. With a magnifying glass, micro-lettering should be clearly visible, indicating a legitimate banknote.
By following these steps, you can effectively identify and avoid counterfeit banknotes.
As the digital age advances, ensuring the authenticity of physical currency remains a crucial aspect of safeguarding one’s finances. Stay alert, recognize the signs of counterfeit notes, and protect yourself from counterfeit notes by taking a moment to inspect your cash carefully!
Also read: What To Do If your Ringgit Banknote Damaged By The Recent Floods?
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