Remember when the TTC decided to change the design of tokens in an effort to stop counterfeiting? Well, they might want to come up with a new design. According to the CBC, 2,000 fake tokens are getting dropped into TTC fare boxes every day. It's easy to identify the phonies - as long as you have access to an electron microscope.

A look through an electron microscope revealed:

• The top of the second "t" in Toronto appears to be cut off.
• The ridges found on the outside edges of the fake token aren't as clearly defined as those on real ones.
• The spacing of the letters is not consistent.

The CBC's analysis reveals that the fraudulent tokens have "imperfections" thanks to an "inferior die" used to make them. Also, the fakes have little amounts of nickel compared to the originals.

Since the automatic readers at subway turnstiles can detect the frauds, counterfeiters recommend using fare boxes manned by people such as on buses and streetcars. Now you know.

Writing by Rahul Gupta