Counterfeit 500-Piso Note Warning

The BSP warns the public against the possible proliferation of a new type of counterfeit 500-piso New Design Series note.
The BSP warns that this counterfeit may pass as genuine to an unsuspecting layman.
The BSP instructs the public to examine suspect notes using the distinguishing features enumerated in the memorandum.

The advisory applies to counterfeit 500-piso New Design Series notes containing a strip of silvery material used as an imitation of the security thread.
The memorandum frames the silvery strip as passing for the security thread used in genuine notes.
The memorandum focuses on counterfeit production characteristics that can be checked by visual examination and paper/printing inspection.

The counterfeit note is made up of two thin sheets of paper pasted together, with the printings appearing on the outside portion.
The counterfeit note’s “watermark” is created by copying the portrait of Benigno Aquino by printing it on the inner/pasted portion of one of the two sheets using light gray ink.
The counterfeit note imitates the security thread by inserting a strip of finely cut silvery material similar to a “gift wrapper,” pasted vertically between the two sheets.
The counterfeit note’s paper does not contain security fibers.
The Benigno Aquino portrait appears dull and not lifelike, because the eyes are shown as a solid mass instead of concentric lines, and the portrait merges with the background.
The counterfeit note’s lacework and other background designs are composed of lines that are blurred and broken.
The counterfeit note’s serial numbers are not well aligned and are not uniform in strokes and sizes.
The counterfeit note’s back picture lines are not fine and sharp.

The public must examine carefully all suspect notes, especially those with an unnaturally dull general appearance.
When a person determines they may be holding a counterfeit, the person must communicate with the proper BSP units listed in the memorandum.
The memorandum directs reporting to the Currency Analysis and Redemption Division or Investigation Staff, Cash Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
The memorandum provides BSP contact details for reporting, including Tel. Nos. 50-27-77, 59-49-34, 50-70-51/Locals 2296 or 2388.
The memorandum also directs reporting to the nearest Bangko Sentral Regional Office / Sub-Regional Office / Regional Unit.