5 ms·

It would be quite amusing if this feature didn't actually exist and it was only an attempt to confuse potential counterfeiters.

by kgabis 10y ago

lb1lf 10y ago
-It would definitely be amusing, but given the current state of affairs - basically, the public is ignorant and vending machines are used to weed out the fakes - I don't think your average counterfeiter would care. After all, your fakes don't need to be perfect; they just need to be good enough to enter the system without you getting caught every time. (Which leads me to wonder - how do counterfeiters insert their fake coins in the monetary system? Where can you spend a lot of coin without arousing suspicion?) -Coins sold at a discount to people who, perfectly aware they are fakes, use them for small purchases? -Perhaps more likely - the customer is your friendly neighbourhood cigarette shop, which then mixes them in the change they give? -Are some vending machines so bad at detecting fakes that you can use those (preferably ones with no security camera watching, which can be a challenge in the UK nowadays) to launder your fakes? -Other? Off to google I go. I really wonder how one can make a viable business model from getting fake coins into circulation. I just looked over the £1 coins in my desk drawer (22!) - I found two dodgies. Perhaps I should bring them to the UK next time and ask in a bank - they may be just worn...
- dx034 10y ago
  Don't vending machines only check weight, size and if it's magnetic? Should be easier to fake for a vending machine than for customers then.
  - desas 10y ago
    People bother checking their coins at all?
- gehsty 10y ago
  I think this will be a Crim2Crim business model, selling £100 fakies for £50/£40/£30 real to other crims depending on volume. I'd be interested to find out about who makes the molds / dies and sets up the machines to manufacture these. I like to think its some eccentric retired machinist in a shed in the middle of the Yorkshire countryside :)
- corobo 10y ago
  > Which leads me to wonder - how do counterfeiters insert their fake coins in the monetary system? Where can you spend a lot of coin without arousing suspicion?) There are plenty of corner shops that'll happily sell you duty free tobacco amongst other non-legal things. I'm sure they'd be happy to take £100 worth of fake coins and mix them into their tills/takings/change if it only costs them £40. The difference can go into their pocket.

It would be quite amusing if this feature didn't actually exist and it was only an attempt to confuse potential counterfeiters.

by kgabis 10y ago

It would be quite amusing if this feature didn't actually exist and it was only an attempt to confuse potential counterfeiters.

lb1lf 10y ago

-It would definitely be amusing, but given the current state of affairs - basically, the public is ignorant and vending machines are used to weed out the fakes - I don't think your average counterfeiter would care. After all, your fakes don't need to be perfect; they just need to be good enough to enter the system without you getting caught every time. (Which leads me to wonder - how do counterfeiters insert their fake coins in the monetary system? Where can you spend a lot of coin without arousing suspicion?) -Coins sold at a discount to people who, perfectly aware they are fakes, use them for small purchases? -Perhaps more likely - the customer is your friendly neighbourhood cigarette shop, which then mixes them in the change they give? -Are some vending machines so bad at detecting fakes that you can use those (preferably ones with no security camera watching, which can be a challenge in the UK nowadays) to launder your fakes? -Other? Off to google I go. I really wonder how one can make a viable business model from getting fake coins into circulation. I just looked over the £1 coins in my desk drawer (22!) - I found two dodgies. Perhaps I should bring them to the UK next time and ask in a bank - they may be just worn...

dx034 10y ago
Don't vending machines only check weight, size and if it's magnetic? Should be easier to fake for a vending machine than for customers then.
- desas 10y ago
  People bother checking their coins at all?
gehsty 10y ago
I think this will be a Crim2Crim business model, selling £100 fakies for £50/£40/£30 real to other crims depending on volume. I'd be interested to find out about who makes the molds / dies and sets up the machines to manufacture these. I like to think its some eccentric retired machinist in a shed in the middle of the Yorkshire countryside :)
corobo 10y ago
> Which leads me to wonder - how do counterfeiters insert their fake coins in the monetary system? Where can you spend a lot of coin without arousing suspicion?) There are plenty of corner shops that'll happily sell you duty free tobacco amongst other non-legal things. I'm sure they'd be happy to take £100 worth of fake coins and mix them into their tills/takings/change if it only costs them £40. The difference can go into their pocket.