There are simple ways to tell whether a paper or polymer banknote is real or fake. We run through the things to look out for on £10, £20 and £50 notes.
Sections
1. Spotting a fake paper or polymer note
2. Raised print
Run your finger across the paper note and if it’s genuine, you should be able to feel the raised print on areas such as the words ‘Bank of England’ on the front.
If it’s a counterfeit, the note is unlikely to have a textured feel to it and will feel flat all over.
3. Check the metallic thread
A metallic thread is embedded in every paper banknote.
This appears as silver dashes on the back of paper £20 and £50 notes (see more information on spotting fake paper £20 notes on this Bank of England page).
The thread is woven through the paper – not just printed on – so when you hold it up to the light it should appear as a continuous dark line.
This appears as bright green dashes on the front of £50 notes.
Each dash is actually a window which contains images of the '£' symbol and the number '50'. When the note is tilted from side to side, the images move up and down.
When the note is tilted up and down, the images move from side to side and the number '50' and '£' symbol swap places.
4. Check the watermark
If you hold a genuine note up to the light, you should see an image of the Queen’s portrait.
However, if you can still see the watermark when the note is flat and not held up to the light, it's likely to be a dodgy note.
5. Check the print quality
The printed lines and colours on genuine notes will be detailed and sharp and free from smudges or blurred edges. So make sure you check the detail carefully.
If the quality is poor or messy, you’ve got yourself a fake!
6. Check under ultra-violet light
This isn’t so handy if you’ve just been given a banknote in a shop, but if you’re really determined to find out whether your note is fake or genuine, put it under ultra-violet light.
If it's the real deal, its value will appear in bright red and green numbers while the background will be dull in contrast.
The paper £20 and £50 notes also have bright red and green flecks randomly spread over the front and back of the note.
7. Use a magnifying glass
Use a magnifying glass to look closely at the lettering beneath the Queen’s portrait. On a genuine note, decorative swirls spell out the value of the note in small letters and numerals.
8. How to spot a fake polymer £5, £10 and £20 banknote
9. What to do if you find a fake
In an ideal world, you should check every note you’re given as soon as you receive it. If it’s clearly a fake or you have concerns, don’t accept it. Either ask for a different note or for your money back.
Of course, this isn’t very practical when we’re rushing from shop to shop and it's likely to be difficult to find the time to examine each note in detail, especially with fellow customers tutting behind you!
However, if, when you get home you have a look through your wallet and discover a fake note, you should take it to the police as soon as possible.
You will be given a receipt and the banknote will be sent to the Bank of England to be analysed. If it is fake that's the last you'll see of it: only genuine notes will be returned.
If you happen to have information on anyone making, selling or buying counterfeit notes, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to stop others losing out.
Have you ever been given a fake banknote? Did you spot it in time? Let us know in the comments section below