Detect fake pound notes

Traveling to countries that use a different currency of your own is complicated. Not only must you be attentive to exchange rate and calculate what you are really spending, but also being alert that you don’t get "sliped" a fake note.

In Eurochange we want to prevent you from having these kind of problems because of not knowing the currencies of the countries you visit. Therefore we regularly publish posts in which we explain the notes of each currency or notes that have been taken out of circulation.

In our post today we give you some tips to discover if your Sterling Pounds are fine or fake.

Previous warnings

You should pay special attention when you get change in low visibility places: a pub, a nightclub,... Check the notes in front of the person who gave them to you, so you can claim at the time.

What should I check for?

Some security measures are more difficult to see like the marks underneath ultraviolet light, but here are some quick and easy tips:

• Paper and relief: At the moment Sterling Pounds notes are printed on cotton paper, so we are familiar with the distinctive feel of paper. Furthermore,the amount and the inscription "Bank of England"are embossed.
• Magnetic stripe: all notes have within a magnetic stripe, putting them up to the light you can see a dark line that passes through them.
• Hologram: 5, 10 and 20 pounds notes have holograms. By turning you will see two images in different bright colors.
• Watermark: Putting them up to the light you will see a water mark with the image of the Queen of England.
• Print quality: most counterfeits fail to have the same print quality than real notes, check that the print is clear and not blurred.

With these tips you should be safe from receiving a fake note. If you want further information you can download this brochure you will find all the information on security measures Bank of England

In Eurochange we are aware of the importance of fighting counterfeiting. For this reason we have several systems to detect counterfeits such as ultraviolet light or detector pens.

Remember you can book your sterling pounds in advance or bring your left over pounds from your trip.

Want to see more information about the pound? Read Sterling Pound or New £5 note.