Guide · Real Group team

Fake Note Detection Explained: UV, MG, MT, IR and CIS

Quick answer: UV checks how a note fluoresces, MG checks magnetic ink, MT checks the magnetic security thread, IR checks infrared features and CIS compares an image of the note. Each catches different counterfeits. For everyday cash, choose at least UV, MG, MT and IR; for banks and forex, choose dual-CIS.

Why one sensor is not enough

Counterfeiters copy some security features well and others badly. A machine that checks several different features is much harder to fool than one that checks only one. That is why the number and type of sensors matter more than speed when you choose a machine.

UV: ultraviolet

Genuine notes are printed on paper that does not glow under UV light, while many fakes printed on ordinary paper do. Some genuine features, such as fibres, glow in a specific way. UV is the most common and basic check.

MG: magnetic ink

Parts of a genuine note are printed with magnetic ink. MG sensors check for this magnetic signal. Photocopied and inkjet fakes usually have none.

MT: magnetic thread

The security thread in genuine notes carries a magnetic signal. MT sensors check the thread, which is difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce.

IR: infrared

Certain inks on genuine notes look different under infrared light. IR sensors check these patterns.

CIS: contact image sensor

Dual-CIS machines scan both sides of every note and compare the image with stored patterns. This gives the most reliable recognition and makes serial number reading and multi-currency counting possible.

Which level should you choose?

Detection	Suits	Example models
UV + MG	Small shops, low cash volumes	111, 222
UV + MG + MT + IR	Petrol pumps, retail, wholesale, societies	6700, 666, 999, 555
UV + MG + IR + dual-CIS image	Banks, forex, hotels, cash centres	9100, 9200, 9500

Check suspicious notes by hand too

No machine can promise to catch every counterfeit. If a machine rejects a note, or you have doubts, check its security features by hand. The Reserve Bank of India explains the features of each note on its Paisa Bolta Hai website.