5 Ways to Check Fake Money Using Your Phone (Updated Guide for Small Business Owners and Retail Cashiers)

5 Ways to Check Fake Money Using Your Phone
5 Ways to Check Fake Money Using Your Phone

5 Ways to Check Fake Money Using Your Phone – Ever worried if the cash you received was real? For small business owners, minimarket cashiers, or street vendors, spotting fake money isn’t a small matter—it could mean profit or loss for the day. The good news? You can now check for counterfeit bills using just your phone! This article breaks down 5 of the most effective and trusted ways to do it. https://wearegntlmen.com

5 Ways to Check Fake Money Using Your Phone : 

1. Use the Official App from Bank Indonesia: BI Gempur

What is Gempur?
Gempur is an official app from Bank Indonesia designed to help you recognize the authenticity of Rupiah banknotes. It teaches you to verify money using the 3D principle: Look, Feel, and See-through.

How to use it:

  • Download “Gempur” from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS)
  • Open the app and choose the education feature
  • Check for security threads, color-shifting ink, and watermarks by following the interactive guide.

Pros:

  • Officially developed by Bank Indonesia
  • Educational and great for staff training
  • Can be used offline once data is downloaded

Note: This app does not scan money automatically via camera. Instead, it teaches you how to identify real notes the proper manual way.


2. I-Comreds App (From the National Police)

What is I-Comreds?
Created by Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), this app has AI-based counterfeit detection and reporting features. Though originally for investigations, it’s now usable by the public.

How to use it:

  • Download it from the official Polri website or Play Store
  • Register using your National ID (NIK)
  • Use the camera feature to scan the banknote

Pros:

  • Backed by law enforcement
  • AI-powered with a database of fake bills

Cons:

  • Only supports certain denominations (especially newer ones)
  • If the banknote is crumpled or dirty, the accuracy will be reduced.

3. Use a Banknote Scanner App

This is a popular third-party option that’s quick and easy to use—but not a government-issued tool. It’s best for quick checks in the field.

How to use it:

  • Download from the Play Store
  • Use your camera to scan certain parts of the bill (like holograms or special inks)

Pros:

  • Fast and practical
  • Great for real-time transactions

Cons:

  • Accuracy depends on phone camera and lighting
  • Can’t be used as legal evidence

4. Manual 3D Method + Phone Flashlight

Prefer the classic method? This one’s tried and tested. All you need is the flashlight on your phone, the banknote, and your eyes.

Steps:

  • Look: Check the color, holograms, and unique patterns
  • Feel: Rub your fingers on the printed numbers—real notes feel rough
  • See-through: Shine a flashlight behind the bill to reveal watermarks and threads

Tips:

  • Real notes have metallic colors that shift when moved
  • Security threads are embedded and can’t be replicated with ink

This method is highly reliable and officially recommended by Bank Indonesia.


5. Use Cash Reader App (For Visually Impaired Users)

Developed primarily for those with visual impairments, Cash Reader is a global software. It identifies the denomination of currency bills using your phone’s camera.

Important Note:

  • This app cannot detect fakes—it only reads the value of the bill
  • Ideal for users who just need to confirm the denomination

Bonus Tips for Business Owners and Cashiers:

  • Use multiple methods. Combine manual checks with app-based ones
  • Train your staff. Make sure everyone handling cash knows the basics
  • Keep suspicious bills separate. Don’t deposit or spend them right away; record the serial number and take a photo
  • Report to Bank or Police. If in doubt, report to the nearest BI office or police station

Conclusion
Don’t wait until fake bills end up in your cash drawer. With just a smartphone, you can be more alert and professional when handling cash. Hopefully, this guide helps you stay safe and confident—especially if you work in retail, small business, or any cash-based industry.

So, go ahead and download those apps. Start checking smarter today!