The new bank notes in circulation since December 15th initially brought some excitment but just a few days later, it has been noticed that counterfeits have already been injected in the system.
Considering the fact that it is relatively new, many find it difficult to make a difference between the real bank notes and counterfeits. This has pushed many to prefer the old notes to the new ones.
Larissa is a shoe seller in Mbouda, she says she cannot take the risk of using accepting these notes for the simple reason that she knows not how to distinguish the real one from the counterfeit.
“I can even take that risk, I assure you. I have denied the bank notes twice already this day and I’m not sure that those that were presented to me were the real ones”.
“Authorities have to organise sensitization campaigns for the new notes if not many will only have their eyes to cry. I don’t want to be a victim because Cameroonians are very good at counterfeiting,” she adds.
While Larissa takes preventive measures, Mr Muluh says he has been using the bank note and is certain he can’t fall a victim to scammers.
“Those who say they are afraid of using the bank notes are simply not well informed. They should take time and follow sensitization campaigns on TV”.
According to printers of the bank notes, the level of security on these bank notes is high and will be very difficult to be falsified. Following sensitization messages sent out by the experts, the population has to use the following tips to detect a counterfeit from a real bank note:
Users can hold the bank note up to the light and a look to see the value of the bank note
Users should Run their fingers over the banknote and get a flair of the areas where the ink is thicker.
Security wise, when users tilt the bank note from top to bottom, the security thread present shows a dynamic effect and the embossed area on the note can be seen as a metallic silver.
With these in mind, care is the watch word.
