HOW TO DETECT COUNTERFEIT NOTES

Criminals are exploiting the fear and uncertainty created by COVID-19. The Central Bank of Belize and the Financial Intelligence Unit issue this alert to inform the public of the circulation of counterfeit Belize currency notes. Below are key security features to help you identify a counterfeit note.

Key Security Features of Belizean Currency Notes:

1. The windowed security thread: this thread comes to the surface at
regular intervals so that its metallic sheen may be seen; the complete thread
is only visible when viewed against the light.

2. Watermark with Electrotype: the value of each denomination is in letters
under the watermark and can be seen when held up to the light. The
watermark is the Jaguar on the $100.00 and $50.00 notes and the Sleeping
Giant on the $20.00, $10.00, $5.00 and $2.00 notes.

3. See-through feature consists of specific design elements printed in
precise register on both sides of the note: when the note is held up to
the light, the parts of the design printed on the back will fit exactly with the
unprinted areas on the front to produce the complete design. This feature is
located near the watermark.

Any member of the public who suspects that he/she is in receipt of a counterfeit currency note is urged to take the following precautionary measures:

1. Feel, look, and tilt banknotes to check for the security features. Delay the
presenter if possible and call the Belize Police Department
immediately.

2. Observe the presenter’s features and appearance, such as gender, race,
age, height, build, clothing, distinguishing marks or tattoos,
language/dialect spoken, as well as that of any companions, and provide
this information to the Police.

We encourage our members and the general public to report any information on currency counterfeiting to the
nearest branch of the Belize Police Department.