Dye-stained notes
Banks and providers of secure asset transportation have used dye packs for several years as one of several measures to safeguard ATMs and the transport of assets.
The dye packs are placed in ATM drawers and transport cases, and in the event of robbery or burglary they will explode and stain the notes. The intention is to stain the notes that have been stolen, making it difficult for the offenders to use them.
Dye packs with colours such as red, black, blue and green are used. The stains vary considerably and can cover the entire note or just the edge or corner. The offenders may have attempted to wash the note and as a result the note may appear to be faded. If a corner or other part of a note has been cut off, the note may stem from a crime.
What do you do with a dye-stained note?
Everyone should refuse to accept dye-stained notes and notes that are not whole. Dye-stained notes should be turned in to your bank. The bank will ask how you acquired the notes. The bank then sends the dye-stained notes to Norges Bank. If the individual who has turned in the dye-stained notes is the rightful owner, the notes will be exchanged.
A note can also become stained in other ways, for example, by a marking pen or in the washing machine. In any case, such notes should be exchanged at your bank.