How to Identify Counterfeit Banknotes Using the Correct 3D Method

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Counterfeit banknotes remain a risk the public should be alert to when making cash transactions. Notes that look like genuine rupiah can be accepted unknowingly, particularly when transactions happen quickly or in crowded conditions.

To guard against this, people need to understand how to check whether rupiah is genuine. One method is 3D: Dilihat (look), Diraba (feel) and Diterawang (hold up to the light).

The method uses the security features found on rupiah banknotes. Checks involve examining the colours, raised printing, security thread, watermark and images that align to form a complete picture when the note is held up to the light.

Checks should not rely on just one feature. Several central banks around the world also advise the public to inspect more than one security element, as counterfeit notes can be made to resemble genuine ones. So how can you correctly identify counterfeit banknotes using the 3D method?

1. Look: check the colours and security features

First, carefully examine both sides of the banknote. Genuine rupiah has bright, clear colours that do not readily appear faded.

Also look for the following security features:

• Colours: colours on genuine notes are clear, with sharp images and lettering.

• Security thread: rupiah notes have a thread embedded or woven into the paper. On certain denominations, it changes colour when viewed from different angles.

• Hidden images: some denominations have an image or visual feature that becomes visible from a particular angle.

• Colour-shifting ink: on certain denominations, some areas change colour when the note is tilted.

• Printing details: check that lines, lettering and images are neat and not blurred.

Do not conclude immediately that a note is counterfeit just because its colour looks slightly different. Lighting, the note’s age and wear can affect its appearance.

2. Feel: check the note’s texture

Next, run your fingertips over the note. Genuine rupiah is printed using special techniques that make certain areas feel rough or raised.

Areas to check include:

• The main portrait of the national hero.

• The words “Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia” (Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia).

• The denomination.

• Certain letters or words.

• The Garuda Pancasila emblem.

• A special code for blind and partially sighted people, known as a blind code.

On genuine notes, these areas have a texture that can be recognised by touch. By contrast, notes made using ordinary printing methods often feel flatter because they lack the same raised-print characteristics.

Texture alone, however, is not enough to establish whether a banknote is genuine. The other features should also be checked.

3. Hold it up to the light: check the watermark and see-through image

The third step is to hold the note up to a light source, such as a lamp or sunlight. This allows you to see security features that are not clearly visible when examining the surface alone.

There are two important features to look for.

First, the watermark: a portrait of a national hero that appears when the note is held up to the light. On a genuine note, the image appears integrated into the paper rather than printed on its surface.

Second, the rectoverso, or see-through image: parts of the image are printed on the front and back of the note. When held up to the light, the two parts form a complete, matching image.

If the image is misaligned, does not match, or looks like an ordinary print, the note should be checked further.

The 2022 series of rupiah banknotes has several security features that can be checked using the 3D method. The series comprises seven denominations: Rp1,000, Rp2,000, Rp5,000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000, Rp50,000 and Rp100,000.

Each denomination has its own design and security features. People should therefore learn the features of each denomination rather than memorising the colours alone.

Features to check include:

1. Clear colours and main images.

2. An embedded security thread.

3. Raised printing in certain areas.

4. A watermark showing a national hero.

5. A rectoverso image that appears complete when held up to the light.

6. Additional security features that can be checked using certain tools.

People can consult the official guide to the 2022 rupiah banknote series to learn the features of each denomination and avoid mistakes when checking notes they receive.

If someone receives a note whose authenticity is in doubt, they should not immediately accuse the person who gave it to them. That person may also be unaware that the note is problematic.

Several steps can be taken:

1. Do not put the note back into circulation. Avoid using a suspected counterfeit note in a transaction with someone else.

2. Keep it safe. Preserve the note’s physical condition so it can be examined easily.

3. Check it again. Compare it with a note believed to be genuine, of the same denomination and issue year.

4. Visit a bank or Bank Indonesia office. The public can request an assessment of a note’s authenticity.

5. Report it to the police. Suspected circulation of counterfeit money can be reported to the authorities.

Counterfeit notes are not reimbursed. If a note is found to be genuine after examination, it may be exchanged in accordance with the applicable rules.

As well as understanding the 3D method, people should make a habit of checking banknotes when receiving cash. This is particularly important for traders, transport drivers, cashiers and business owners who frequently handle paper money.

The following practices can help:

• Check the note during the transaction, not after the customer or payer has left.

• Do not rely solely on its colour or size.

• Make a habit of feeling the raised printing.

• Hold the note up to the light to check the watermark and see-through image.

• Use a magnifying glass or other tools if necessary.

• Learn the security features for each denomination and issue year.

The 3D method is a simple check that does not require special equipment. Nevertheless, careful and thorough examination is needed to reduce the risk of accepting counterfeit money.

Counterfeit banknotes can be identified by applying the 3D method: look, feel and hold up to the light. These steps help people check the colours, security thread, texture, watermark and see-through image on rupiah notes.

Notes should be checked whenever cash is received, particularly in high-value transactions. If a note’s authenticity is in doubt, do not put it back into circulation; ask a bank, the police or Bank Indonesia to examine it.

By understanding the features of genuine banknotes, the public can stay alert and help prevent counterfeit money from circulating.