Look closely at the silver foil patch near the bottom. It should shimmer and change color as you move the note—from a rich purple to a bright green. This isn’t just for show; it’s a high-tech signature that fakes can’t replicate.
Also, check the ultra-fine micro-lettering on the note. Use a magnifying glass if you have one, or just squint like a pirate. Real notes have crisp, tiny text that says “£5” over and over. On a fake, this text is usually blurry or missing entirely.
How to spot counterfeit £5 note after police issue warning over fakes
The Queen’s Crown: A Portrait Built for a Queen
Flip the note over to the side with the big window. You’ll see a metallic image of the Queen’s crown. Run your fingernail across it—it should feel textured and slightly raised. It’s a tiny, deliberate bump in the otherwise smooth surface.
Fakes often print this as a flat, shiny blob. Your nail will slide right over it, and you’ll know something is off. It’s like finding a bump on a chalkboard—it tells you exactly what’s not supposed to be there.
