The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is urging the public to guard against accepting counterfeit notes during the upcoming Carnival celebrations, since individuals often attempt to circulate these notes during periods of heightened commercial activity and in large gatherings.

The public is reminded that counterfeit notes have no value, and that persons in possession of them may be prosecuted. All persons are therefore urged to exercise caution, particularly at night and in dimly lit situations, and to look out for the security features when accepting notes. {{more}}These include the following:

A security thread with text reading “ECCB” is incorporated into the paper. The thread can be clearly seen through the paper.

Each genuine note bears a different serial number, printed vertically on the left hand side and horizontally on the right hand side. No two notes of the same denomination ever have the same serial number.

On the front left hand side of any genuine note, a watermark of Queen Elizabeth II can be seen when the note is held up to the light. A watermark highlight, which reads “ECCB” can also be clearly seen when the note is held up to the light.

In the centre of the back of the note is an image of several fish, printed with special ink, which glows.

Genuine bank notes are printed on special paper that gives them a unique feel. (ECCB)