Watch Out! Counterfeit Money Dealers Target Crowded Shops Or Stalls, Busy Serving Buyers

Example of counterfeit money secured by the Central Java Police/ Photo: Doc. Central Java Police

SEMARANG - The Central Java Police asked the public to be vigilant and careful when exchanging money or transacting buying and selling in cash ahead of Ramadan. As conveyed by the Central Java Police Chief through the Head of Humas Kombes Pol M Iqbal Alqudusy, the moments of Ramadan and Eid are moments that are prone to circulating counterfeit money in the community.

Counterfeit money dealers try to take advantage of the negligence of traders or sellers in the market who are busy serving buyers so that they do not monitor the authenticity of the money received.

For that, said Iqbal, people need to be more careful and thorough in using cash during transactions.

"On the contrary, when there are people who use, spend, or circulate counterfeit money, there is a threat according to the law, namely 15 years in prison. For this reason, the public is asked not to be involved in this type of crime," explained Iqbal in a written statement, Sunday 10 April.

Iqbal also asked the public to be able to distinguish real and fake money from a number of physical characteristics that exist in the money. Iqbal said, the three differences between real and counterfeit money can be seen from:

1. Color difference

Although briefly the color similarity between real and counterfeit money is difficult to distinguish, but it's a good idea to be more careful in looking at the color of the money.

2. Raw Material Difference

The original rupiah currency has raw materials from cotton fiber. The original rupiah is also equipped with a security thread whose color can change when viewed from a certain point of view.

Meanwhile, counterfeit rupiah notes will not have raw materials that are not the same as the raw materials for real money.

3. Money Texture

The difference between real and fake money can be seen in the texture of the paper. On real money that is rough, especially on the part of the coat of arms of the state. This cannot be done by counterfeiters. Because it is very difficult to imitate making a rough texture on the national coat of arms.

Meanwhile, continued Iqbal, referring to the Bank Indonesia method, there is a step guide to checking the authenticity of money using the 3D method (Seen, Touched, Diterawang).

View

Look at the color change in the security thread and the shield of the Bank Indonesia logo on the Rp100 thousand and Rp50 thousand denominations. Also find the change in the color of the numbers in the fractions of Rp. 100,000, Rp. 50,000, Rp. 20,000, and Rp. 10,000. For example, if the community doesn't find it, they should be suspected that it is counterfeit money.

Touched

On real money, people will feel a rough texture on the main image, the image of the national symbol, and the nominal numbers of the letters are spelled out. Coarse texture is also found in the phrase "NEGARA UNITED STATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA" and the phrase "BANK INDONESIA".

Dreamed

Point the money at the light. In certain denominations, real money will display ornaments and images of heroes. In addition, the public will also find the complete Bank Indonesia logo.

Furthermore, Iqbal provides several tips so that people are safe from counterfeit money when transacting.

"First, make the transaction in a place that has enough light. Then, make sure to exchange money at an official place," he said.

Finally, the public is asked to maximize non-cash transactions.

"If there is a suspicion that the money received is counterfeit money, the public should not hesitate to refuse and ask to replace it with other money," continued Kabidhumas.

However, if the community members have already received or received counterfeit money, Iqbal appealed to keep the money and not use it.

"Residents should immediately report to the nearest police station or ask for clarification from the bank or directly to the nearest Bank Indonesia office." he explained.