How to Spot a fake Canadian $100 bill?
Fake Canadian 100-dollar bills are in circulation, and as a result, most people fall victim to receiving counterfeit notes, which leads to significant losses. Besides, the circulation of fake notes can affect the country’s economy and cause political instability.
Luckily, robust security features on Canadian bank notes make duplicating them harder. These features also enable Canadians to tell between fake and real dollars. The easiest way to know if a 100-bill note is real is by feeling it, looking at it, and flipping it to see its unique features.
Currency counterfeiting is as old as money. It is mainly done for personal gains, but rival countries also use it to destabilize their opponents. To know a fake note, you must first understand the features of the real one.
This article will educate you on the security features, dates, and serial numbers in a genuine Canadian 100-dollar bill.
Key Features In the New Canadian $100 Bill
Currency counterfeiting happens mostly when a country launches a new currency. During this time, most citizens interact less with the new notes, so it is hard to tell the difference between fake and real.
However, most governments educate the residents on the features of the new currency. If you trade using a counterfeit note and the bank or trader recognizes it, they have the right to retain it and report it to the police. You also cannot claim a reimbursement for a fake note.
Therefore, it is always important to be keen when receiving notes as a mode of payment. Some of the key features of the Canadian $100 note are;
-
Raised Ink on Sir Robert Borden’s Portrait
The front of Canada’s $100 bill has a portrait of the eighth Prime Minister, Sir Robert Borden. He led the country through the brutal world war and helped galvanize it through challenging conflicts.
Borden’s portrait is used as a holographic feature. It appears as a metallic portrait and has raised ink. So, check if the words “Banque du Canada” and “Bank of Canada” are also written using raised ink.
-
Researchers Looking Through a Microscope
When you flip the Canadian $100 bill, you’ll see a researcher looking through a microphone. The image represents Canada’s commitment to research.
In 1921, Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered that insulin could cure diabetes. This was a huge win for Canada because diabetes was a deadly disease without a cure.
If you are not keen enough, you might fail to recognize the DNA strand at the back of Canada’s $100 bill. It honors researchers that mapped the human genetic makeup in medicine.
- Electrocardiogram
The Canadian $100 bill also has an electrocardiogram at the back to symbolize the country’s contribution to heart health. It also represents the invention of the pacemaker in 1950 by John Hopps.
How to Spot a Fake Old $100 Canadian Dollar Bill
Since you know some of the features present in the $100 Canadian bill, you can spot a fake note. However, counterfeit money manufacturers also know these features, so they try their best to duplicate the original note, but machines and keen people can detect them.
If you doubt a note, some ways to know if it is fake are;
Most bills in circulation are genuine, so you have probably mastered the texture. However, it is perhaps fake if someone gives you a note and the texture is unfamiliar. Canadian bills have a smooth distinctive texture like plastic.
To determine its genuineness, you can look at the other features like raised ink and holographic features.
-
Metallic Portrait in a Window
Sir Robert Borden’s metallic portrait is in a large transparent window and appears at the front and back of the note. The image is a hologram, meaning it should be able to change colors when you tilt it. Since it is hard to replicate this security feature, it is an excellent check to spot a fake 100 Canadian dollar bill.
When you rub the $100 Canadian bill between your fingers, you should feel some areas with raised ink. This critical security feature could help you distinguish between counterfeit and legitimate dollar notes.
The large number value is written with raised ink. Feel the 100 printed on the $100 bill to determine if it is raised. Also, the words “Banque du Canada” and “Bank of Canada” are written with raised ink.
Every Canadian bill has a serial number. Most counterfeit notes have similar serial numbers, which should raise an eyebrow. You can also confirm the legitimacy of a serial number on the $100 bill by checking the number on specific databases.
Most countries put a watermark in their notes which is visible if you hold the bill against the light. This is hard to replicate feature, so most counterfeit notes lack it. The watermark appears on the right side of the note.
-
Maple Leaves around the Transparent Window
The $100 Canadian bill has a large transparent window with maple leaves at the edge. It also has repeating small 100 values appearing in a line near the word Canada beneath the portrait.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake $100 Dollar Bill Canadian
Realizing that your customer exchanged a fake $100 Canadian note for a valuable item can be heartbreaking. The counterfeit notes are unrecognizable, and you cannot get a reimbursement. However, if you haven’t accepted the money yet and notice that it is fake;
Do not harshly refuse the note or shout at the customer. They could be innocent and not know if they are holding a fake note. Refuse the money politely and tell them that you suspect it is fake. You can ask the buyer to give you another note, but ensure you check it too.
Politely ask the customer to check the genuineness of the bill with the police. If it is fake, the police will confiscate it and not refund them. You can also report to the police that someone had counterfeit notes.
If you doubt the note after the transaction, report it to the police still. They will investigate to check if it is genuine and return after establishing it is real. Counterfeiting currency is a criminal offense, and reporting it reduces circulation.
How to Avoid Getting Counterfeit Currency
Falling victim to counterfeit currency can cause losses to your business. You can avoid this by using digital money like debit and credit cards. Going cashless ensures you don’t get into contact with counterfeit notes.
It is also essential to learn the different features of a genuine note. Inspecting high-value notes before putting them in your wallet will save you the agony of being conned.
Choose where to exchange currency, and avoid going to random agents. Besides risking getting fake notes, these agents have high exchange fees. So instead, exchange your money at Knightsbridge to enjoy favorable rates.
Final Words
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a fake Canadian 100-dollar bill and a genuine one. However, learning the features of the dollar, like the raised ink, hologram on the portrait, and the watermark, helps you be keen before receiving any currency. If you accidentally receive a fake note, ensure you report it to the police.