How many times have you received a note and hesitated before accepting it, not knowing if it was true? However, there is a small detail, almost always ignored, which can confirm in seconds if it is a forgery. Despite the increasing sophistication of false notes, this element remains a practically infallible indicator.
In recent years, the circulation of fake money has gaining prominence in Portugal, especially with the increase in cash purchases in markets, cafes and transactions between individuals.
According to the Leak website, which specializes in Lifestyle, every year thousands of false notes continue to emerge, with a higher incidence in € 20 and 50 € denominations, but there have already been cases of falsifications of 5 € due to the ease of passing unnoticed.
The traditional verification method
The European Central Bank recommends a simple method known as touching, observing and tilting. Touching allows you to feel relief of printing, a unique feature of legitimate notes. Note consists of checking the watermark and safety wire through light. Inclinar allows you to see the changes in color and holograms that move.
This set of actions is sufficient in most cases, but there is a fourth step that is less known and even harder to imitate.
This secret detail lies in the number located in the lower right corner of the notes of 20 €, 50 €, 100 € and higher. The number, which seems purely decorative, changes color when it tilts the grade, from emerald green to deep blue.
It is an effect achieved through variable optical paint, virtually impossible to play with household printers or scanners. Many false notes can even imitate the watermark, but fail at this point, making it a fast and reliable test.
Other signs that almost no one observes
In addition to this color that changes color, there are other safety elements that it rarely verifies. The microtext, consisting of small numbers and letters visible only with magnifying glass, the dynamic hologram that alters symbols and portraits by moving the grade, and the characteristic sound of paper, higher than the plain role, are all additional signs of authenticity.
If it suspects that it received a false note, never passes it to another person, as this is a crime. Take the grade to a bank, which may confirm the authenticity for free, or delivered to the competent authorities, which will apprehend it. There is no right to reimbursement, so prevention is the best way to avoid damage.
Where the false notes arise
According to the same source, actual cases in Portugal show that burns enjoy quick purchases in markets or nightclubs to spend false notes, exploring the hurry, little light or distraction of people.
Second -hand sales platforms also recorded similar situations, reinforcing the need for extra attention. To protect yourself, always check the larger notes and privilege digital payment methods, such as MB Way, when possible.
Even with the evolution of falsifications, the number that changes color in the lower right corner remains the most effective indicator to identify false notes, which is a simple gesture that can spare you financial disorders and losses in everyday life.
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