Public Urged to be Watchful While Making Cash Transactions

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Public Urged to be Watchful While Making Cash Transactions

The Central Bank of Barbados is advising the public to be watchful while executing cash transactions during the current Crop Over festival and the upcoming back-to-school shopping period.

Cleviston Haynes, Deputy Governor (Ag.) reminded that traditionally counterfeit notes tend to increase during periods of heightened commercial activity. He therefore advised persons to be more vigilant and to check on the genuine nature of the notes before concluding transactions. Mr. Haynes also recommended that retailers not rely exclusively on counterfeit detecting machines. He recommended that individuals get to know the security features of genuine notes as well.

Among the security features found on Barbadian notes issued since May 1, 2007 are:

1.         A small watermark-type image has been added to the right of the map of Barbados watermark. On $2, $5, and $10 notes, the image is of the broken trident, while on $20, $50 and $100 notes, the image is of the Pride of Barbados flower.

2.         Two easily distinguishable security threads have replaced the threads that have been used in previous issues:

i. On $2, $5 and $10 notes, the thread is partially visible when lying flat. It is highly reflective and is wave-like in design with the text “CBB” and the note’s denomination printed on it. When held up to light, the thread becomes complete.

ii. On the $20, $50, and $100 the thread is partially visible when lying flat. It is wider and less reflective than previous threads, but like them is printed with the text “CBB” and the note’s denomination. When held up to light, the thread becomes a solid line. Under UV light, the thread fluoresces blue and the text fluoresces yellow.

3.         The numeral on the top left corner of the note is significantly raised above the surface of the paper, giving the paper a unique feel. The raised surface of the numeral will also allow different denominations to be more easily identified by the visually impaired.

4.         On the $20, $50 and $100 note, the Coat of Arms and the waves near the flying fish in the centre of the banknote fluoresce green and yellow under UV light.

Detailed information about the security features of Barbadian banknotes can be found on the Central Bank of Barbados website atVwww.centralbank.org.bb.
 

2009-07-08

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