Checking Counterfeit Money: Look, Feel, Hold to the Light

The circulation of counterfeit money remains a threat, especially during busy transaction periods such as holidays, traditional markets, and shopping centers. To avoid becoming a victim, the public needs to understand a simple yet effective way to verify the authenticity of rupiah banknotes through the 3D method: Look, Feel, and Hold to the Light.

Look
The colors appear bright and sharp, not dull or faded.
The hero portraits and ornaments are clear and not blurry.
Rectoverso images align perfectly when held up to the light.
Security threads are embedded neatly in certain denominations.
The logo uses special color-shifting ink on specific denominations.

Feel
The hero portrait area feels rougher than the surrounding surface.
Certain numbers and text feel raised to the touch.
The banknote paper feels thicker and not slippery like ordinary paper.

Hold to the Light
A watermark featuring a hero portrait becomes visible.
An electrotype, showing the denomination number faintly, appears.
The security thread is more clearly visible when held against the light.

Accepting counterfeit money can result in financial loss, as it cannot be exchanged. Moreover, circulating counterfeit money is a criminal offense under the law. Therefore, always check banknotes when receiving payments, avoid rushing during transactions, and use tools such as UV lamps if available.