Security: how to spot a forgery

The manufacturer of a forgery-checking device is warning publicans to be vigilant in the run-up to Christmas against a wave of counterfeit notes, bank cards and ID cards.

David Critchley, managing director of Anglo-Tech Services, which manufactures the Check-a-Note forgery tester, says the face value of counterfeit English notes taken out of circulation has increased by 60 per cent in the past year to more than £10m. The value of Scottish banknotes removed from retailers' takings likewise increased by 65 per

cent to nearly £2m. There has also been a large increase in the value and quantity of forged Giros in circulation.

Check-a-Note tests paper quality and, like similar devices, uses ultra-violet (UV) light to scan notes and cards and pick up the tell-tale signs of a fake. It also doubles as a note holder, keeping the note out of the till but safe until the change has been counted.

David advises that fake notes should be confiscated and the police called. They will retain the note and issue you a Note of Retention, which acts as receipt for your records. Don't forget, it is a criminal offence to hold or to pass on a note that you know to be counterfeit.

Here is David's guide to detecting the signs of a fake under a UV light.

1. Check the corners

When genuine English notes are placed under UV light the numbers five, 10 or 20 become visible in the bottom left-hand corner of the note. The clarity may vary from note to note, and these are not present on £50 notes. Scottish issuing banks do not use the number system but their notes feature various marks that are revealed under UV (as shown).

2. Scrutinise the surface

Genuine notes appear dull under UV light, while most forgeries glow bright. However, the dull note in this picture is also a forgery. It has been coated to mimic a genuine note's dull appearance under UV light, but it is missing the UV number. Look closer and you can see the coated note's surface is cracking, an easy-to-spot sign of a forgery.

3. Fake notes will glow

All the notes shown here are forgeries except the £20 in the centre. The £50, as in box 2, has been coated on the front but not on the back. This means it glows bright on the rear. The dull glow can also be seen on the other three forged notes.

4. UV watermarks

Credit and debit cards, driver's licences, passports, cheques, Giros and other security documents feature UV printing inks that will show a logo or mark when viewed under UV light. All these examples are authentic.