Fake versions of the new South African banknotes hit the streets

On 7 February 2005, reports were issued of the use of fake versions of the then new South African banknotes. These came hardly a week after the latest currency was released by the Reserve Bank. The central bank introduced at that time, a series of new R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 notes. The decision was made in accordance with international banking practice, which calls for a new design of banknotes every six to eight years as a measure to try and curb counterfeit notes, and to upgrade security features. Unlike the genuine article, the fake note did not have a shimmering gold band visible on the back when the note was tilted or colour-changing ink on the rand number value at the right-hand bottom of the note. There was also no watermark (shadow picture of an animal) embedded on the front left-hand side of the note when it was held up to the light.