The counterfeit banknote detector is a device that continues to be useful given that, despite the trend of commercial transactions leaning towards debit or credit cards, the exchange of liquid money continues to be more current than ever.
If you handle large amounts of cash, because maybe you work at the cash desk, or because you have a business, you will surely have everyone’s fear: that of receiving a fake banknote. If it has never happened to you, it is because you were lucky. After all, it is a more common phenomenon than it seems.
For this reason, counterfeit banknote detectors represent a strong ally against the fight against counterfeiting. If you are not familiar with this type of device and you want to buy one, then keep reading the guide, and we will tell you everything you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises when you collect money.
Here we had selected some of the best and latest models of the counterfeit money detectors.
Buyer Guide to Choose Counterfeit Money Detectors
If we want to hinder the spread of banknote counterfeiting, we cannot just rely on our intuition. We need all the technological help we can. In this sense, counterfeit banknote detectors are well known because they operate with great speed. We encourage you to analyze this section with answers to the most common questions about these devices.
What Exactly Is a Counterfeit Banknote Detector?
As the name already indicates, these detectors are devices, usually battery-powered, whose purpose is to guarantee the authenticity of the banknotes.
Through different detection systems, and depending on the model, they manage to analyze various characteristics of the paper with which these banknotes are made, and emit a sound signal if one of these does not comply with the legal parameters.
Why Do You Need to Use Counterfeit Banknote Detectors?
Today cash (banknotes and coins) continue to be the most used commercial transaction system in the world. Payment by credit or debit card is increasingly common but has not yet managed to replace the traditional method.
This has led to the banknote counterfeiting industry becoming increasingly refined. A few decades ago, the most experienced and trained people could identify fake banknotes even by careful observation.
However, technological advances have made counterfeiting of banknotes so professional that it is no longer enough to observe them. The detection machines incorporate some recognition systems that are unattainable for the human eye.
How Do Counterfeit Banknote Detectors Work?
To perform the detection checks mentioned, the machines are based on different inks with which banknotes are made: model, consistency, holographic marks, and reactions. When they scan a particular note, they analyze it through a susceptible spectrum sensor and compare it with the correct image saved in the device.
How Do You Use Counterfeit Banknote Detectors?
The use of counterfeit banknote detectors is straightforward. Almost all models are equipped with an easily readable LED display and an audible signal that warns of anomalies.
You have to insert small wads of banknotes in the front slot or the input tray. The detector “reads” them and ejects them from the rear slot or the exit tray.
How Do Counterfeit Note Detectors Behave if Banks Update Currencies?
In general, the central banks of most currencies are continually working to improve banknote security and to prevent counterfeiting. Some detector models automatically update the software when new currency exchange is communicated.
For others, it is necessary for the user to connect to a computer and to follow the instructions for this purpose. Typically, counterfeit banknote detectors are equipped with a USB port, so it is straightforward to connect to a computer to update the software.
Other newer models have slots for inserting micro-SD cards. In any case, to avoid risks, it is always useful to be careful of the changes communicated by the Central Bank.
Advantages or Disadvantages Counterfeit Banknote Detectors?
If you work at the cashier, if you are in charge of a shop or if you manage a lot of cash for work, it is likely that sooner or later, someone will trim a fake banknote. Detector devices can be handy to minimize this possibility, as shown in the following table.
Advantages
- They are small or light
- They are battery-operated. Therefore they do not always have to be connected
- They are easy to use: insert the banknote, and the machine does everything alone
- They run at a very high speed
Disadvantages
- They involve an extra step for each transaction, which can lead to a waste of time
- They may not be updated with time
- If the banknote is damaged, they may not work well
- Can I use the same counterfeit banknote detector for different currencies?
Usually yes. However, it is advisable to pay attention to the product description to be sure. The models that are sold in Italy generally operate with the euro and up to four other currencies from countries that are part of the European Union or the Schengen area. For example, British pounds or Hungarian forints.
What Other Functions Can Counterfeit Banknote Detectors Have?
In general, these devices have a specific task and are only used to authenticate the validity of banknotes. However, in recent years, models have begun to appear, which also acts as banknote counters.
This feature is handy for those who handle many banknotes since it will save a lot of time by performing two functions simultaneously.
Things to Consider Before Buying
At this point, you will have already convinced yourself to buy a counterfeit detector. You don’t have to make the mistake of choosing the first product you find at an acceptable price.
We advise you to take into account some purchase criteria to choose the model that best suits your needs. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- Autonomy
- Reliability
- Detection systems
- Variety of currencies
- Software update
Autonomy
Counterfeit banknote detectors work mostly with rechargeable lithium batteries. This is good news because, in this way, you are not dependent exclusively on a power supply. We advise you to buy models that guarantee an autonomy of at least 8 hours, to ensure a day of work without worries.
Reliability
An unreliable counterfeit detector is useless. Before buying one of these devices, you need to check whether the European central banks certify it. Thus, you will know for sure that the sensors will be able to detect the latest security technologies applied to banknotes with 100% reliability.
Detection Systems
As we have already seen, counterfeit banknote detectors can have one, two, or more systems to authenticate the validity of a currency. The two most important are UV control and magnetic wire control, and they are also the most difficult to falsify. Of course, the more detection systems our device has than these two, the better.
Variety of Currencies
Although in Italy, the currency that most interests us is the euro, for obvious reasons, we must not forget the large number of tourists that we cross in our work path.
For this reason, to avoid fraud, it may be appropriate for the counterfeit detector that we buy to be able to authenticate other currencies from neighboring countries (UK, Poland, Hungary).
Software Update
Banknotes do not change every year, but occasionally they integrate more sophisticated security measures. Counterfeit banknote detectors must offer the possibility to update their software easily. Otherwise, you will be forced to buy a new device every time changes are communicated.
