Be vigilant! When paying in cash, there has been an increase in cases of counterfeit souvenir banknotes being presented for payment.
Souvenir banknotes "Dubli" and their difference from Belarusian rubles.
In the modern world, counterfeiting of monetary instruments is a serious problem affecting the economic stability of the state and the financial security of citizens.
In recent times, in the Republic of Belarus, there has been an increase in cases of presenting souvenir products for payment that are externally similar to genuine National Bank of the Republic of Belarus rubles. Currently, 2 such cases have been registered in the Beshenkovichi district.
Souvenir products are not intended for use as a means of payment, but are created as souvenirs or educational materials. However, malicious individuals often use these products to deceive citizens and organizations, which requires increased vigilance from all participants in financial transactions.
Individuals intentionally presenting souvenir products as a means of payment are subject to criminal liability in accordance with current legislation.
In this article, we will examine in detail the main differences between souvenir banknotes and genuine Belarusian rubles, the legal aspects related to their production and use, as well as the procedure for actions when counterfeit items are detected.
What are the main differences between souvenir banknotes and Belarusian rubles?
1. Inscriptions and specialized markings:
- Genuine Belarusian rubles have specialized inscriptions and watermarks that are absent on souvenir banknotes. For example, souvenir notes often feature the inscription "Souvenir," "Not legal tender," or similar markings indicating their status as souvenir products.
2. Paper Quality:
- Genuine currency is printed on special paper with watermarks and other security features. Souvenir notes are typically made on lower-quality paper that is easily distinguishable by touch.
3. Color Scheme:
- Souvenir banknotes have a different color scheme, which may be less saturated or, conversely, excessively bright compared to genuine currency. This allows for easy identification of counterfeits upon careful examination.
What is the liability for this?
Criminal Liability. The production, circulation, and use of counterfeit currency are subject to criminal liability in accordance with Articles 209 and 221 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. Individuals involved in such acts may face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
What actions should be taken upon discovering souvenir products?
1. In case souvenir products are found on the street and signs indicating that they are souvenir products are identified, take measures for their disposal. If the found banknote is genuine, hand it over to the lost and found office of the nearest police department. Remember, someone might have lost their money, and appropriation of another person's property is a criminal offense.
2. If you receive souvenir products directly from a person, report the incident to the police, try to establish their identity, or detain them until law enforcement officers arrive.
3. If you receive souvenir products from a cashier, report it to the store manager, and then contact the police.
Despite the ongoing preventive work, cashiers in retail outlets, due to high workload, do not always pay attention to the security features of the national currency. Therefore, cases of cashier inattentiveness during transactions with customers and the provision of souvenir products as change occur.
Be vigilant when paying with cash in stores, shopping centers, and other establishments. Check the cash you receive. Pay attention to the presence of inscriptions such as "Souvenir Product", "Not a means of payment", "Dubl", "DUBLEU", "TSUBLEU", "SouvenirmoneyofBelarus".
Souvenir banknotes, or "duplicates," pose a serious threat to the financial system of Belarus. It is important to be informed and attentive when handling cash to prevent the spread of counterfeits and protect yourself from fraud. If you have been issued souvenir products, report it to the police immediately and follow the established rules of conduct.
Be vigilant and attentive!
Acting Head of the Internal Affairs Department
Beshenkovichi District Executive Committee Yu.V. Kachanov