Police alert: Counterfeit S$1,000 Portrait Series Note

SINGAPORE - The Police has released a public alert on three cases of counterfeit Singapore $1,000 Portrait series notes, which were reported since March 2013. Two of the said counterfeit notes were received by a member of the public outside Singapore, while another two notes were received by two business entities.

Each of the four counterfeit notes bears a 9-character alphanumerical identification reference '2AB6585xx', and simulated security features which include a watermark, kinegram and security-thread. The surface of the counterfeit notes is also waxy, unlike the tactile feel on genuine notes.

Members of the public who suspect that they have received a counterfeit currency note are advised to do the following:

• Do not return the suspected note to the presenter;

• Delay the presenter, if possible, and call the Police at '999' immediately;

• Observe the presenter's description, such as gender, race, age, height, built, attire, tattoo marks, ear-studs, language/dialect spoken as well as that of any companions;

• Note the vehicle registration number (if any); and

• Limit the handling of the suspected note and place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope, to prevent any tampering and hand it over to the Police immediately.

Information on the security features of genuine Singapore currency is available on the MAS website at http://www.mas.gov.sg/currency/security-features/how-to-identify-genuine-notes.aspx

Anyone with information on the reported cases should call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000. Information can also be submitted online at www.spf.gov.sg/CrimeStopper. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

minlee@sph.com.sg