Chilean Criminal Groups Peddle '5G Banknotes' on Social Media

Counterfeit Currency Floods Social Media in Chile

Chilean criminal organizations have increasingly turned to social media platforms, including Instagram, to openly advertise and sell sophisticated counterfeit banknotes. These illicit offerings are being marketed under the deceptive moniker of '5G banknotes,' a term used by sellers to imply a new level of quality or sophistication, despite having no connection to actual 5G technology. The widespread availability of these fake bills poses a significant challenge to the public and law enforcement alike.

The Allure of '5G Banknotes' and Their Deceptive Quality

Sellers of these counterfeit notes employ informal, emoji-laden advertisements, promising attractive exchange rates to entice potential buyers. For instance, individuals might be offered CH$90,000 in fake currency for just CH$20,000 in real money, or over CH$300,000 in counterfeit bills for CH$60,000. These operations are run by accounts that often identify themselves as 'premium money providers.' Unlike older, more easily detectable homemade counterfeits, the '5G banknotes' are described as high-quality digital products. They feature pirated textures, holograms, and watermarks, making them remarkably difficult to distinguish from genuine currency.

Criminals even provide audacious usage tips to their customers, such as: 'Use the banknote for a maximum of two months, then discard it,' and 'Do not wet the banknote, it can fade and lose its real tone.'

Law Enforcement Warnings and Verification Techniques

Chilean Law Enforcement, specifically the Carabineros, has issued stern warnings regarding the possession of counterfeit bills, emphasizing that it is a serious problem even if received unknowingly. Authorities urge anyone who detects a suspicious banknote to report it immediately to assist in tracking down the perpetrators.

To combat the proliferation of these fakes, experts recommend the 'Look, Tilt, and Touch' technique for verifying the authenticity of banknotes. Key security features to check include:

• A watermark visible when held up to light, displaying the central figure and denomination.
• A transparent area that feels smooth to the touch.
• A security thread visible through the bill against the light, containing text with the denomination.
• Perfectly aligned patterns that form the denomination number when held to light.
• Tiny inscriptions visible with a magnifying glass.
• A unique serial number consisting of two letters and eight digits, found in two places on the reverse side.
• For CH$10,000 and CH$20,000 notes, the color of the lower number on the reverse changes when tilted.
• A perceptible relief when running fingers over the portrait, central bank text, denomination numbers, and tactile marks, achieved through calcography.

The CH$10,000 and CH$20,000 notes are made of cotton paper, while lower denominations are made of polymer.

Ongoing Battle Against Counterfeiters

The emergence of these sophisticated '5G banknotes' on social media highlights an evolving challenge for financial security in Chile. Authorities continue to monitor these online activities and educate the public on how to identify and report counterfeit currency, aiming to disrupt these criminal networks and protect citizens from financial loss.