Warning against Counterfeit Money

Today I was advised by Mall Security to warn my Crew not to entertain persons who present P1000/P500 peso bills to be exchanged for smaller bills. A Fried Chicken Restaurant was just victimized.

Things to remember about Counterfeit Money:

1. Having a Money Detector (UV Light) used to illuminate the Marks on the peso bills IS NO GUARANTEE YOU WILL NOT BE A VICTIM as the counterfeit peso bills are so good that they also have the feature showing the Illuminated Marks!!

2. That same teller also told my crew and myself she no longer uses (Relies) on the Money Detector anymore (Her money detector is kept under her counter) and instead, RELIES ON THE FEEL OF THE BILLS to tell if the security paper used is genuine. (This skill can only be learned after handling thousands of bills day-in/day-out)

3. The genuine peso bill has a ribbon on the right side that changes in color when shifted under the light whereas the Fake money only has one color.

4. The pictures of the public figures on the face of the fake money bill appear cartoonish and rough as compared to the genuine peso bill especially when held under a bright light.

5. The feel of the paper of the Fake Money does feel right (some say it feels thinner, others say it feels like ordinary bond paper).

6. The green color on the P200 peso bill appears too bright or maybe a different shade of green from the genuine P200 peso bill.

7. Even Philippine Coins are being counterfeited and that is why some stores have resorted to having Magnets on hand. (Fake coins will be attracted to the magnet)

8. The opinion of our bank teller friend is that the counterfeiter are getting better and better and the above defects will in time disappear as the counterfeiter improve their skills.

The bank where we do business with said that on average, they encounter fake money 2 or 3 times a week!!

It's so hard to make a sale only to find out you just got robbed.