Since the launch of the new naira, Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new design. They also expressed concern as scammers can find it very easy to duplicate the notes. This was not far-fetched when N1000 fake notes began to circulate just a few days after its release.
However, the CBN has said the banknotes are protected by some security features to enable the easy recognition of the real notes. This is to avoid being scammed with the wrong naira.
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The Six Security Feature To Identify The New Naira
1. The Texture
One way to distinguish between fake and real notes is by touch and visibility. If the texture of the naira note is soft and the image in it appears dull, then it is likely the fake one.
2. The Gold Foil
Looking closely at the N1,000 note, there is a gold foil on the right side, just near the CBN Governor’s signature. Scratching the foil of a fake naira, there is the possibility it will peel instantly. On the other hand, the foil of genuine foil does not peel.
Also if the money is soaked in water and begins to change colors, then it is not the original naira. It is said that the colors used in printing counterfeit notes are soluble in water and some other liquids.
Petrol is another trick. Just dipping and scrubbing the naira a little is all that is needed. If it is fake, it will start changing colors.
3. The Ribbon/Thread
There is a security thread that appears like a ribbon on all Naira notes, running from the top to the bottom. For the original note, this thread can be felt with a touch.
For the fake notes, there is something that looks like the thread, but it is not. It is just a straight-line painting that looks like the thread in the original note. If you scratch the painting, it will easily peel off.
4. Using Mercury Bulbs
Some features on the naira notes cannot be seen with the naked eye, except with the help of mercury bulbs. If the N1,000 note is placed under the rays from the mercury bulb, it will show a shining 1000 (in numbers) written across the note. Hence the use of mercury balls.
These are only found on the new naira note. You can also do this for the smaller denominations.
5. Photocopying The Naira Notes
Note that the new Naira does not support photocopying as it is protected against it. Some features are visible under ultraviolet light. For instance, the serial number on each banknote is black but turns green under ultraviolet light.
Conclusion
With that being said, we believe that you will be able to differentiate between fake and real notes. It might take time, but we are 100% sure you will be able to adapt very soon.
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