The Central Bank of Belize and the Financial Intelligence Unit issue this alert to
inform the public of the circulation of counterfeit Belize currency notes.

The public is urged to become familiar with the security features of the currency
notes issued by the Central Bank of Belize. Recognizing the security features will
protect the public from fraud committed using counterfeit Belize currency notes.

Three key and easily identifiable security features are described below, while a
more detailed explanation could be found on the Central Bank of Belize’s website at
https://www.centralbank.org.bz/currency/security-features.

Key Security Features of Belizean Currency Notes:

  • The windowed security thread: this thread comes to the surface at
    regular intervals so that its metallic sheen may be seen; the complete thread
    is only visible when viewed against the light.
  • Watermark with Electrotype: the value of each denomination is in letters
    under the watermark and can be seen when held up to the light. The
    watermark is the Jaguar on the $100.00 and $50.00 notes and the Sleeping
    Giant on the $20.00, $10.00, $5.00 and $2.00 notes.
  • See-through feature consists of specific design elements printed in
    precise register on both sides of the note: when the note is held up to
    the light, the parts of the design printed on the back will fit exactly with the
    unprinted areas on the front to produce the complete design. This feature is
    located near the watermark.

Any member of the public who suspects that he/she is in receipt of a counterfeit
currency note is urged to take the following precautionary measures:

  • Feel, look, and tilt banknotes to check for the security features. Delay the
    presenter if possible and call the Belize Police Department
    immediately.
  • Observe the presenter’s features and appearance, such as gender, race,
    age, height, build, clothing, distinguishing marks or tattoos,
    language/dialect spoken, as well as that of any companions, and provide
    this information to the Police.

The public is asked to take note that the Central Bank of Belize has the sole right to
issue Belize currency notes and coins, and only such notes and coins issued by the
Central Bank are legal tender in Belize. It is a criminal offence to reproduce Belize
currency notes with the intent to defraud. Persons found guilty of this offence shall,
on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The public is encouraged to report any information on currency counterfeiting to the
nearest branch of the Belize Police Department.