How to Identify Counterfeit Money?

To check for counterfeit money in the Philippines, you can use the Feel, Look, and Tilt method recommended by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Here’s how:

1. FEEL

• Paper Quality – Genuine bills are printed on high-quality, rough-textured paper that does not easily tear.
• Embossed Print – Run your fingers over the bill, and you should feel a slightly raised print on the note’s text and main design elements.

2. LOOK

• Watermark – Hold the bill against the light. You should see a clear watermark of the portrait (same as the one printed on the note).
• Security Thread – There is a security thread embedded in the note that changes color when viewed from different angles.
• Serial Numbers – The serial number should be uniformly printed, properly aligned, and not smudged.

3. TILT

• Color-Shifting Ink – On higher denominations (₱500 and ₱1000), the numeral value changes color when tilted.
• Holographic Patch (₱1000) – The ₱1000 bill has a holographic patch on the right side that shifts colors when moved.

Additional Security Features:

✔ Optically Variable Device (OVD) Patch – Found in ₱500 and ₱1000 bills, changing colors from green to blue when tilted.
✔ Embedded Serial Number – Should match and not fade when scratched.
✔ UV Light Test – Some security features are visible under ultraviolet (UV) light.

What to Do If You Suspect a Counterfeit Bill?

✅ Report it to the nearest BSP office or bank for verification.
✅ Do not spend or distribute counterfeit money, as it is illegal.
✅ Compare the bill with a confirmed genuine banknote if in doubt.