Discoloured banknotes


Abstract icon Many banks use smoke and ink cartridge that is emitted in the event of robbery and discolours the banknotes. The folder "Kun ærlige penge, tak" (in Danish only) explains what you should do if you receive suspicious-looking banknotes and shows examples of e.g. discoloured and burnt banknotes. Contact your bank if you are not sure whether a banknote is genuine or has been discoloured after a robbery.
The rules are simple

• Do not accept discoloured, burnt, cleaned or other suspicious-looking banknotes.
• If you have received a suspicious-looking banknote by mistake, contact your bank.
• If you have shown gross negligence and should have noticed that the banknote was   discoloured,
   burnt or cleaned, the amount is forfeited.


What should you do?
If you receive a discoloured or suspicious-looking banknote by mistake, you should hand it in at your bank. If you have received it in connection with your work, you should contact your firm's bank. Explain how you got hold of the banknote, and the bank will then send the banknote and your explanation to Danmarks Nationalbank. The bank may also report the incident to the police if this can help to solve a crime.


If you have received a suspicious-looking banknote by mistake, Danmarks Nationalbank will exchange it. But if you have shown gross negligence and should have noticed that the banknote was discoloured, burnt or cleaned, the banknote will be confiscated and the amount is forfeited.