Hello, smart spender! Are you troubled by the recent news about the dishonest actions of a money changer employee in Ubud caught cheating a foreign tourist? Or maybe, are you panics suddenly when receiving change? Afraid that maybe some counterfeit money or fake cash has slipped in. Relax, you are not alone! In this sophisticated era, scams using fake currency are also getting more advanced.
Receiving counterfeit money is just as frustrating as forgetting your wallet. It wastes time, costs money, and definitely ruins your mood instantly. But, don’t worry!
With a simple trick from Bank Indonesia, namely the 3D method: Dilihat (Look), Diraba (Feel), Diterawang (Check against Light), you can immediately become a reliable money detective. Ready to upgrade this skill? Let’s break it down completely!
Look (Dilihat): Play Your Detective Eye for Counterfeit Money!
This first step is the most basic. Genuine money has an appearance that is no joke.
Clear Colors and Images: Pay close attention. Genuine money has bright, solid colors that do not bleed. The images are printed very sharp, detailed, and not blurry like cheap printer results.
Color-Shifting Ink: Specifically on large denominations (such as IDR 50,000 and IDR 100,000), there is a certain section (usually the BI logo or the nominal value) that will change color when you view it from a different angle. Cool, right? Counterfeit money rarely can imitate this color-shifting effect perfectly.
Latent Image: Try tilting your money. On genuine money, a hidden nominal value (latent image) will appear that you won’t find on fake currency.
Feel (Diraba): Sense the Texture Difference of Counterfeit Money
Now, this is the most exciting part! Genuine Indonesian money is printed with a special technique (called intaglio) that leaves a raised texture trace.
Rough Texture: Feel the phrase “BANK INDONESIA,” the state emblem (Garuda), and the nominal value. On genuine money, these parts will feel rough and raised, as if thickly printed. Counterfeit money? It’s usually smooth and slick like ordinary HVS paper.
Blind Code: On the left and right edges of the paper money, there are raised lines that can be felt. This feature helps people with disabilities, and at the same time is a security feature often neglected by counterfeit money makers.
Check Against Light (Diterawang): Hold Your Money Up to the Light
This is the final step to ensure authenticity. Bring your money to a bright light source (such as the sun or a desk lamp).
Watermark: You should be able to see the watermark (usually the face of a national hero) which appears smooth, integrated with the paper, and has a natural light-dark gradation. Fake currency often only prints the hero’s image on the surface, making it look dull and non-transparent from both sides.
Security Thread: On genuine money, this security thread will be seen embedded in the paper, sometimes appearing woven, and can change color when you tilt it (on large denominations).
Rectoverso Image: Pay attention to the BI logo in the center. When held up to the light, the BI logo on the front and back sides will appear to fill each other perfectly to form the complete BI logo image.
Tips to Avoid Counterfeit Money and Other Smart Anti-Scam Habits
Besides recognizing the characteristics of counterfeit money, there are some smart habits you should adopt:
Transact at Money Changers with Bright and Trusted Locations: Always try to receive money in a place with good lighting. This will make it easier for you to perform the 3D check quickly.
Use Digital Payments: Reduce the risk of receiving fake currency by using e-wallets or bank transfers more often, especially for large nominal transactions.
Don’t Rush: When receiving a large amount of money or in a crowded place, don’t panic. Take a moment (just 5 seconds!) to Look, Feel, and Check against Light.
Politely Refuse & Report: If you suspect receiving counterfeit money, politely refuse it and ask for replacement money. If you genuinely find fake currency, report it immediately to the bank, the police, or Bank Indonesia. Never try to circulate it again, as that is a criminal act!
What is the Most Faked Currency?
After becoming an expert at distinguishing genuine Rupiah and counterfeit money, it’s time to level up! What about the foreign currencies that are most often targeted by counterfeiters worldwide?
If we talk on a global scale, there are two giant currencies that are most frequently counterfeited:
United States Dollar (USD)
The Greenback is the world’s reserve currency and is used in international transactions everywhere. This makes it the primary target for counterfeiters.
Favorite Denomination: Outside the United States, the US$100 bill is the most commonly counterfeited. There is even a special term for super high-quality fake money, which is “Superdollar” or “Supernote”, made with advanced technology to mimic the original security features.
Reason: Because its circulation is so widespread globally, the detailed check is often looser compared to in its country of origin.
Euro (€)
As the official currency for many European countries, the Euro holds the second position. Its massive circulation rate and use across many country borders make it an easy target.
Favorite Denomination: Generally mid-range denominations, such as €20 and €50, are the most frequently found counterfeits. This is because these denominations are often used in daily transactions and tend to be less scrutinized.
Furthermore, when exchanging foreign currency (especially US Dollars or Euros), always do so at an official money exchange (licensed money changer) or at a Bank. They have standard counterfeit money detection tools (UV light detector), so the risk of you receiving fake currency can be drastically minimized.
Be a Smart & Aware Consumer!
Counterfeit money is a real threat, both in the form of Rupiah and global fake currency. However, you already have the most powerful weapon: Knowledge.
By mastering the 3D method (Look, Feel, Check against Light) and understanding which currencies are most often targeted by counterfeiters, you have taken a big step to protect yourself and your wallet from scams.
Now, for reliable local and international currency exchange matters, whether it’s Rupiah to Dollar or vice versa, just hand it over to Money Exchange Kuta: PAM Money Changer! PAM Money Changer is a Money Changer Kuta, Bali that has been an official licensed PVA since 2003, making its credibility trustworthy.
PAM Money Changer, as a trusted Money Changer Bali for a long time, also has transparent and competitive rates so you don’t have to worry about counterfeit money, fake money, or the risk of counterfeiting Rupiah to Dollar that is rampant in illegal places. You can also always monitor the rates up-to-date on the official PAM Money Changer website!
Prevention is always better than cure, right? Armed with this knowledge, you are ready to prevent and face all forms of counterfeit money scams and become an aware citizen.
Remember, your caution protects yourself and also maintains the integrity of our currency! Stay smart, fun, and safe in transacting! #SmartSaver
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