First Fake RMB 100 Note from New Series Discovered in Zhejiang, How to Tell the Difference

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) released the new version of the 100 yuan note on November 12, 2015. However, counterfeiters are already catching on to some of the note's revamped tricks. Government officials have since explained why the new bills were needed and how they're an improvement over the previous version.

“The design will stay largely the same as the 2005 series, but the new bank notes are harder to counterfeit and easier for machines to read," said Shang Zhiyu of the Currency, Gold, and Silver Bureau under the PBOC.

“The note's enhanced security features, including an optical-variable security thread and value numerals, allow the public to easily identify fake items," said Shao Guowei, chief technology officer of China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation, which manufactures China's currency. The old 100 yuan notes remain in circulation.

But just two weeks ago, a customer went to deposit RMB 19,000 cash in a Zhejiang province bank and it was at this time the very first fake 100 yuan note from the new series, with the serial number “QA36414810" was discovered, gmw.cn reported March 22.

So as not to get duped, let’s check the differences between the older notes, which were last updated in 2005, and the latest version.

1. The primary design difference is that the large “100” in the center of the note is printed in gold, and the numbers turn green when the note is tilted.

2. The "security line" – the dark visible line that runs the width of the note – is pink and also turns green if tilted. If you hold it up to the light, you should be able to see a “￥100" watermark.

3. The translucent Mao visage that appears in the white area should also be visible.

4. Hold the note to the light, under the horizontal serial number in black, there’s a white "100" watermark.

5. There are a few embossed areas on the new bill. If you rub Mao's shoulder and forehead, on the lettering of "People’s Bank of China (中国人民银行),” or on the facade of the Great Hall of the People on the back, and the two small reverse-L-shaped lines that appear in the bottom right-hand corner of the note, you'll notice that they are raised.

Still unsure? Check these instructions courtesy of CCTV:

When withdrawing cash from banks, either at the ATM or at the counter, be sure to inspect bills before leaving, as fake bills are occasionally dispensed from banks themselves. For particularly large withdrawals, be sure to inspect notes in the presence of bank staff, so that any dispute over the authenticity of notes can be resolved on the spot.

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Photos: Xinhuanet, Chinanews, gmw.cn, Baidu.com