It’s not only products which are fakes

Even with modern security features on bank notes and coins, there are still counterfeit notes and coins being produced

Every time we are handed a bank note or coin, we are potentially receiving a fake, one which is worthless to you if you are the last one holding it. Companies are spending millions to make notes and coins ever more complex in their security features, but how many of us are aware of what to look for? Many futurists are convinced hard cash is going to be a thing of the past within years, but we still have it, at least for now.

Spot a fake with ease

Our eventual aim is to use a QR code on notes and coins, meaning there will be no need for holograms, strange materials or complex printing. Instead you will be able to scan the QR code and know immediately whether the currency is real or fake, or even recalled to the central banks. However, we wanted to protect you now, so built a really great piece of software into Fakebuster which can tell if the note is real, just from the serial code.

And to make it really easy, you don’t even have to type the serial code in. Just click the button on Fakebuster to scan a note and let it take a picture of the serial code. It then converts the picture into text and our cloud lets you know immediately whether the note is real or fake – simple! You will see the UV devices in retail stores changing soon – they are using the same technology available to you.