BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH the recent surfacing of counterfeit EC notes, members of the public are being asked to kick their watchfulness into high gear as this would reduce the likelihood of them falling victim to mal-intentioned individuals.
A police press release issued yesterday afternoon (Feb. 2) informed that the police are making investigations into “two separate instances” occurring over the last week in which counterfeit EC$100 bills were distributed to businesses on St. Kitts.
SKNVibes spoke to Police Press and Public Relations Officer Inspector Cromwell Henry, who explained that a business in Frigate Bay and another in the Sandy Point area made complaints to the police citing that they had been issued EC$100 notes during the past week.
At one of the establishments, he said, it was discovered that two notes had identical serial numbers which is what caused the proverbial red flag to be raised. At the other establishment, purchases were made and it was later discovered that the note issued was not genuine.
The Inspector advised that persons who suspect the notes they are being given are not authentic should make a report at the nearest police station.
“If you are suspicious of the authenticity of the note, before or after accepting it, call the police immediately. If you would have already accepted the note, try to get a good description of the person, their name if possible and notify the police immediately. If the person is driving a vehicle, try to get the registration number of the vehicle and report this information to the police. It would greatly assist us in our investigations.”
Inspector Henry also encouraged all to become aware of and or re-acquaint themselves with the security features of EC notes.
“The general public, in particular businesses are asked to be extra cautious when taking these notes, and to look for the security features on the currency before accepting them.”
According to the official site of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, www.eccb-centralbank.org, features include:
1. See-through Feature
On all of the banknotes, there are fish in the bottom left hand corner on the front of the notes. When the notes are held up to the light, parts of the fish fill in, as areas on the back of the note line up perfectly with the front.
2. Watermark
There is a watermark depicting Queen Elizabeth II on each of the notes. The mould-made watermark appears three-dimensional when the note is held up to the light.
3. Security Thread
The security thread has been upgraded. When the banknote is viewed from the front under reflected UV light, the letters ECCB and the denominational value of the note are clearly visible in yellow, against a blue background.
A second security thread has also been added. This is a narrow, continuous black line, to the left of the Queen's portrait.
4. Electrotype
The electrotype reads "ECCB" and enhances the visibility and security of the traditional mould-made watermark.
5. Intaglio Over Foil
The notes bear a highly reflective foil, which shows the denomination. The letters ECCB and the denomination can be seen in small print around the foil. The presence of intaglio enhances the security of the notes.
6. Silver Metallic Ink
A compass rose is printed in silver coloured ink on the back of the notes. The ink gives a metallic lustre to the image, and enhances its appearance.
7. Iridescent print
On the back of the notes, there is an area printed with a special iridescent ink, which has a golden sheen. If you move the note around in the light, you can see the image of several fishes which appear and disappear depending on the angle of view.
The current notes in circulation will continue to be legal tender, and will be replaced in the normal way, through wear and tear, over time.
SKNVibes was told by at least one business entity that the police have paid them a visit to alert them of the circulation of counterfeit notes and also to remind them of the security features which they must look for in order to prove the authenticity of a note.
For those who have intentions of knowingly distributing counterfeit notes, Henry reminds that is it “...against the law and is punishable by imprisonment if convicted”.
