Authorities in Russia reminded residents about a simple, reliable method to verify banknotes right in everyday transactions. The update from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region emphasizes that counterfeiters most frequently target high denomination notes, especially the thousand, two thousand, and five thousand ruble bills. The guidance is meant to help shoppers, sellers, and everyday clerks stay vigilant and prevent fake notes from entering circulation.
The first step is to inspect the note under bright light. For a thousand ruble bill, that scrutiny should reveal a security strip that runs through the paper, tiny perforations forming the number 1000, and a combined watermark featuring the portrait of Yaroslav the Wise alongside the number 1000. These features are designed to be visible to the naked eye and are hard to reproduce accurately without specialized equipment.
Next, tactile verification matters. Gently touching the bill should reveal the presence of the Bank of Russia emblem and the inscription Bank of Russia Ticket. People should also feel for the fine lines along the edges of the note and a raised indicator for the visually impaired. These tactile cues provide a quick, physical check that complements the light inspection and helps confirm authenticity even in low light or bustling market environments.
Finally, the markings when the bill is held vertically offer another layer of verification. There should be a bright horizontal stripe that travels across the coat of arms, along with multi colored stripes across the field. The letters PP should appear either light on a dark background or dark on a light background depending on the angle of view. These color patterns and typography details are intended to be easy to spot during everyday handling of cash.
Officials note that the majority of counterfeit notes surface in small shops and informal markets. The prudent approach is to complete a quick authenticity check before finalizing any exchange. This habit reduces the risk of accepting counterfeit money and helps keep transactions secure for both buyers and sellers. In practice, cash handlers are encouraged to take a moment to perform the three steps described above prior to closing a sale or purchasing goods in cash by hand.
Given evolving monetary policies and the ongoing efforts to modernize payments, retailers and customers should stay informed about the latest security features and official guidance. The currency system continues to incorporate robust anti counterfeiting measures, with periodic updates to security elements and printing techniques. Routine verification remains a practical safeguard that can be applied in daily commerce across stores, markets, and informal retail settings.