Creating Counterfeit Australian Cash: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating counterfeit currency is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment. In Australia, the Reserve Bank (RBA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) work together to combat counterfeiting by implementing security features in banknotes and educating the public about how to spot fake notes. Despite these efforts, incidents of counterfeiting still occur, with a group of counterfeiters injecting over 5,800 fake notes into the Australian financial system in 2017. As such, it is important for individuals to be able to recognise counterfeit currency and know the appropriate steps to take if they suspect they have received a fake note. While some counterfeit notes may be easy to spot due to their paper material or strange designs, others may be more sophisticated and require closer inspection.

Know the consequences: fines or imprisonment

Counterfeiting Australian currency is a serious crime that can lead to severe legal consequences. Those found guilty of crimes associated with the possession or use of fake money could face hefty fines or even imprisonment.

In New South Wales (NSW), the creation or use of counterfeit money with the knowledge that it is fake can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment. This offence is classified as obtaining a financial advantage or benefit by deception. Additionally, under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981, individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit currency can face various charges.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) actively monitors and investigates reports of counterfeit currency. The AFP has warned the public about the presence of counterfeit currency being "sold or transferred for Australian use" and has emphasized the potential consequences, including a fine of up to $2,000 or 12 years in prison.

It is important to be vigilant and aware of the security features present on genuine Australian banknotes. These features are designed to prevent counterfeiting and protect the public. Australian currency is made from durable polymer material, which is more challenging for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.

While the guidelines provided by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) outline the conditions for reproducing or creating images of Australian banknotes, it is crucial to seek independent legal advice. The RBA will not provide approval or express consent for specific reproductions or images, and it reserves the right to object if it believes the conditions have not been met.

The consequences of counterfeiting can be severe, and it is essential to understand the legal and financial risks involved. With the advancement of printing technology, law enforcement agencies are facing increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting operations. Therefore, individuals must refrain from engaging in any activities related to counterfeit currency and report any suspected cases to the authorities.

Use polymer, not paper

Polymer banknotes are more secure than paper money. The detailed images on polymer notes are difficult to forge, and the bills are made with expensive technology designed to prevent counterfeiting. Polymer notes are also harder to damage and can withstand extreme temperatures, including freezing temperatures, without suffering damage.

Polymer notes are also more hygienic. Paper money can get dirty easily, and when subjected to a thorough test, has been known to contain traces of grime, bacteria, and viruses. Polymer notes, on the other hand, are easier to clean and less likely to play host to harmful bacteria and viruses.

Polymer banknotes are also better for the environment. When a polymer banknote is worn out, it can be recycled, reducing the depletion of resources and causing less harm to the environment.

However, there are some drawbacks to using polymer. Polymer notes can be difficult to fold and may get sticky when wet. They may also not work with older sorting machines, which may need to be modified or updated to accommodate polymer bills.

Overall, though, the advantages of polymer notes over paper notes are significant, which is why many countries are transitioning to polymer banknotes.

Include security devices

Australian banknotes are printed on polymer, a type of plastic, and have a distinctive feel. Polymer banknotes were developed to make currency more difficult to counterfeit. The polymer makes it possible to include a range of security features.

The substrate contains several film layers created using a "bubble" process. Clear plastic beads are melted down and blown into a large bubble. During this process, the film is stretched in both length and width to orientate the polymer molecules.

The security features that can be used to check a banknote are as follows:

• A genuine banknote should return to its original shape after being scrunched up.
• There are multiple security features in the clear top-to-bottom window. The window should be an integral part of the banknote and not an addition.
• Check that the security features in the window cannot be easily rubbed off.
• Tilt the banknote to see a three-dimensional image with a colourful border. The image will appear raised or recessed.
• Tilt the banknote to see a bird move its wings and change colour in the top-to-bottom window.
• Diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on both sides of a banknote. When a genuine banknote is held up to the light, the patterns should line up perfectly to form a seven-pointed star within the circle.
• When a genuine banknote is held up to the light, the Australian Coat of Arms should be visible under the print.
• Intaglio is raised dark printing with a distinct feel. On genuine Australian banknotes, the slightly raised print can be felt by running a finger across the portraits and other major design elements.
• Multi-coloured and multi-directional fine-line patterns appear on each side of the banknote. This background printing should be very sharp. Check for irregularities such as less clearly defined patterns, thicker or thinner lines, or colour differences.
• Tiny, clearly defined words are printed in the top left corner of the $5 banknote, and near the portraits on the other denominations. Most people need a magnifying glass to read the microprinting.
• The serial numbers of an Australian banknote should fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
• A rectangular patch showing the value becomes visible on the $20, $50 and $100 banknotes, and a square patch appears on the $5 banknote.

Check for UV-visible features

Ultraviolet (UV) light has become an important tool in the fight against counterfeit money. UV light reveals hidden features in banknotes that are invisible to the naked eye. When placed under a UV light, certain elements of genuine banknotes light up in particular colours.

Australian banknotes have several UV-visible features that can be used to check their authenticity. First, the serial number and year of print of a genuine Australian banknote should fluoresce under UV light. Second, a rectangular patch showing the value becomes visible on the $20, $50, and $100 banknotes, and a square patch appears on the $5 banknote. Third, a bird and wattle feature is revealed under UV light.

To validate the UV fluorescent features on Australian banknotes, it is recommended to use a UV black light with a wavelength centred around 365 nm in low ambient lighting conditions. Many UV black lights that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emit wavelengths between 395-400 nm, which are not suitable for viewing the UV features.

It is important to note that some sophisticated counterfeits may replicate UV features, so it is advisable to use UV detection in conjunction with other methods, such as checking for watermarks, security threads, and microprinting.

Avoid strange designs

It is important to note that counterfeiting currency is illegal and highly regulated. Creating fake Australian money for anything other than educational or entertainment purposes is not advised.

Now, to the specifics of avoiding strange designs when making fake Australian money:

Firstly, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the unique security features of Australian currency. Since the introduction of polymer banknotes, Australian money has become increasingly secure and difficult to counterfeit. The polymer substrate, for instance, is a unique polypropylene material with multiple film layers, which gives the banknotes a distinct feel and makes them highly durable. Attempting to replicate this substrate would require specialized knowledge and technology, so it is best to avoid trying to mimic it exactly.

Instead, focus on the general design features of the banknotes. Australian banknotes feature vibrant colours, distinctive portraits, and clear windows with intricate designs. When creating your fake money, try to emulate the overall layout and colour scheme of the real bills, but avoid including any strange or unusual elements that might make your fake money stand out. Stick to basic shapes, lines, and patterns that are simple and easy to replicate.

You can start by dying your paper with tea or coffee to achieve a similar colour to real currency. Then, use a fine-tipped pen to carefully sketch the general layout of the banknote, including borders, text, and basic design elements. Avoid attempting to replicate the intricate details, such as the micro-printing or the clear window with fluorescent elements, as these are complex security features that would be challenging to reproduce.

By focusing on the overall design and colour scheme, and avoiding strange or complex design elements, your fake Australian money is less likely to attract unwanted attention. Remember, the goal is to create a passable replica for educational or entertainment purposes only, not to circulate counterfeit money illegally.

Frequently asked questions