Free online test and resources to check your banknotes are genuine

Counterfeit banknotes are rare in the UK, but retailers should still check notes at the point of sale to avoid financial loss. Simple checks and staff awareness can help prevent counterfeit notes being accepted.

Counterfeit banknotes are uncommon in the UK, but independent retailers should still take steps to check notes at the point of sale.

Counterfeit notes have no value, meaning businesses that accept them cannot recover the loss. Remaining vigilant and ensuring staff know how to check banknotes can help protect both your stock and cash.

Criminals often target businesses where banknotes are not routinely checked. A common tactic is to use a high-value note, such as a £20, to pay for a low-value item. This allows the individual to leave with both the purchased goods and genuine change from the till. Consistent checks and staff awareness can reduce this risk.

Check Banknotes at the Point of Sale

Make banknote checks part of the normal payment process. Staff should be trained to quickly inspect notes when they are received, especially higher-value denominations. Routine checking discourages attempts to pass counterfeit notes and helps staff feel confident handling cash transactions.

Using Ultraviolet (UV) Lamps

Ultraviolet lamps are an effective way to check the fluorescent security features on banknotes.

• Use a UV lamp that emits light at around 365 nanometres.
• Avoid small LED detectors, such as key-fob style devices, as they often emit light above this wavelength and may not show the correct security features.
• Train staff to recognise the correct fluorescent colours and patterns that appear under UV light.

Avoid Detector Pens

Detector pens should not be relied upon to identify counterfeit banknotes. They are ineffective on polymer notes, which are now standard for UK banknotes.

Banknote Authentication Machines

Some retailers choose to use machines that automatically verify banknotes.

• Ensure the machine can detect the latest counterfeit notes.
• The Bank of England operates a banknote testing framework that allows manufacturers to test their machines against known counterfeit notes.
• Retailers should check that their device model and software version appear on the list of compliant machines before relying on it for authentication.

Using the Hologram Image Feature

One particularly effective check is the hologram image change. When tilting the banknote from side to side, the words should alternate between the note’s value—‘Five’, ‘Ten’, ‘Twenty’, or ‘Fifty’—and the word ‘Pounds’. Many businesses are not aware of this simple but highly reliable way to spot counterfeit notes.

Staff Awareness

Regular staff training is essential. Employees should know how to check notes and understand common tactics used by counterfeiters. Building these checks into everyday transactions helps reduce the risk of accepting counterfeit banknotes. You can access a simple online test from the Bank of England below to check your knowledge.