Ukrainians are being slipped counterfeit hryvnias: how to recognize a fake

Despite the fact that counterfeiters have become less likely to counterfeit the hryvnia, they have not completely abandoned it. However, it is still possible to recognize counterfeits, as they are of rather poor quality. Moreover, it can be done in several ways, including by touch.

The NBU spoke about this. They noted that this is how they check

• banknote paper;
• the relief of individual images on the front of the banknote, which is provided by a special type of printing.

In addition, you can check by placing the banknote against the light. This is how you check:

• The presence of watermarks.

In particular, this means the image of a portrait that repeats the portrait printed on the front of the banknote. As well as the image of the digital denomination or graphic sign of the hryvnia.

• The presence of a through element.

This refers to the image of the digital denomination on the front and back sides of the banknote. It acquires a coherent appearance without breaks or shifts when the banknote is viewed against the light.

• The presence of a protective tape completely immersed in the thickness of the paper, on which, when the banknote is viewed against the light, the image of the denomination, the inscription UAH and the image of the trident can be seen in straight and inverted form with the help of a magnifying glass.

You can also check the authenticity of the banknote by changing the angle of inclination. Pay attention to the following:

• Images.

For genuine banknotes, they change color when viewed from different angles. Also, when you change the angle of the banknote, the direction of movement of the background image of the tape changes (kinetic effect).

• A polymeric tape partially embedded in the paper.

It contains the digital denomination and graphic symbol of the hryvnia (in banknotes of 100-500 UAH), the State Emblem of Ukraine, and has a pronounced kinetic effect.

• The image of the digital denomination designation.

When the banknote is viewed only at eye level against the light at an acute angle, it becomes visible - dark against a light background when the banknote is viewed from the long side. And light on a dark background - on the short side.

What hryvnia notes are most often counterfeited

According to Valeriy Strochkov, head of the Money Production and Protection Department of the NBU's Monetary Circulation Department, the most dangerous banknotes are those of the old design. That is, those issued before 2015.

He explained that banknotes issued in later years have a stronger security system. Accordingly, the counterfeits are of low quality "and are designed to distract citizens and cashiers."

In general, the regulator said, in the first year of the full-scale war, fraudsters most often counterfeited 500 UAH notes. They accounted for 39% of the total number of seized counterfeits and 57% of their total value.

Counterfeiters also frequently "produced" UAH 200 banknotes - 45% of the total number of seized counterfeits and 26% of their total amount. In addition, UAH 100 banknotes - 8% and 2%.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, among all the foreign currencies that fraudsters slipped to Ukrainians in 2022, US dollars prevailed - 91% of the total number of all seized counterfeit foreign currency banknotes. Moreover, in 99% of cases, large denominations were counterfeit.

Only verified information is available in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!