Two Men Arrested For Allegedly Using Counterfeit Singapore Currency

Police have arrested two men who are believed to have printed and used counterfeit Singapore currency as payment to retail outlets and taxi-drivers in various parts of Singapore.

In recent months, Police received several reports that counterfeit Singapore currency notes in $10 and $50 denominations had been used as payment for goods and services in various parts of Singapore. Following extensive investigations by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), the two suspects were arrested on 22 September 2010 in connection with the case. In the course of investigations, CAD also recovered a colour printer cum copier, believed to have been used in the counterfeiting process, together with other incriminating paraphernalia.

Both suspects, aged 31, will be charged in Court on for conspiracy to use as genuine counterfeit currency under Section 489B read with Section 109 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. Anyone convicted for this offence can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 20 years and shall also be liable to a fine.

Director of the Commercial Affairs Department, Mr. Ong Hian Sun, commended his officers and added, “Police will not hesitate to take stern action against the perpetrators of such crimes.”

According to Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS):

It is important for the public to be aware of the security features incorporated in genuine currency notes and to be able to distinguish between genuine and fake notes.

The security features incorporated in the genuine notes provide for visual identification and authentication both by eye and by machine. Do not rely on a single security feature, instead check several security features  during authentication. If in doubt, compare the suspected note with one of the same denomination that you know is genuine.

There are usually easily detectable differences between a genuine note and a counterfeit one.

• Genuine paper does not reflect UV light and therefore does not glow when exposed to that light. The intaglio print gives the note the tactile feel of raised print.
• A counterfeit note is usually printed on lower quality paper and has a smooth and waxy feel. The paper also usually glows under UV light.
• The watermark  on a counterfeit note is clearly visible without requiring the note to be held against the light. It lacks the three-dimensional effect.
• The micro-lettering is not present in a counterfeit note.

Scam Alert: Police Warns Public About Increasing Use of Counterfeit S$50

This news is a little bit dated but in case you still haven’t heard yet. There’s nothing to lose for being informed……

Police has recently reports of unknown person using counterfeit money as mode of payment.  To date more than 30 cases were reported and as we approach the period of festive sales, we would like to reiterate the importance for being vigilant.
Modus Operandi

Please take note that the culprit will normally use a fake currency note of S$50/- (commonly bearing the serial number: 2EY322725) at pubs, restaurants, petrol kiosks, convenient stores and 4D outlets for purchases.
The scam can also take in other forms ie culprit may also seek assistance in changing looses notes using counterfeit money, on the pretext of urgent need.

What to look out for:
1.  Counterfeit Notes using serial number:2EY3222725;
2.  Poor quality paper that has a waxy surface without the following intaglio:
      a.  No raised printing:
      b.  No shimmering effect on the kinegrams;
      c.  No Security Thread; and
3.  Although the counterfeit note simulated the outline of the watermark, but it does not have three-dimensional portrait of the late President Yusof Bin Ishak when examined under light.

What can you do when you receive such notes?
1.  When presented with the counterfeit note, do not return the suspected note to the suspect;
2.  Delay and keep the suspect at sight and if possible contact the police immediately;
3.  Take note of the description of the culprit, e.g. gender, age, height, built, attire, scars/tattoos, accent of language or any distinct features;
4.  Note the suspect(s)' mode of escape and take down the vehicle registration number if he/they escaped in a vehicle;
5.  Minimize the handling of the note and carefully place it in an envelope/polymer bag and hand it to the Police when they arrive.
If you have any information relation to the above cases, please to not hesitate to contact Police hotline at 1800-255 0000 or dial 999 if urgent police assistance is required.