The Lebanese market is currently facing a new wave of confusion and financial instability, as rumors circulate about the validity of the "white" hundred-dollar bills. This latest crisis is part of Lebanon's ongoing economic turmoil, which has been exacerbated since 2019 by issues with the Lebanese pound, the dollar exchange rate, and currency counterfeiting.

Recently, rumors have emerged claiming that the old hundred-dollar bill, locally referred to as the "white hundred," is no longer accepted for global circulation. This misinformation has led to widespread uncertainty among citizens and exchange shops. The panic caused by these rumors prompted the Internal Security Forces to release a statement from the Financial Crimes and Money Laundering Bureau, part of the Judicial Police Unit, assuring the public that the "white hundred-dollar bill" remains valid and in circulation.

Despite this official clarification, some merchants have refused to accept the "white hundred" bills from customers, further adding to the confusion. However, these bills continue to be used in Lebanese banks, and employees still receive their salaries in both new and old hundred-dollar bills each month, which has only complicated matters.

Amid this uncertainty, some exchange shops have exploited the situation by offering a $10 discount on the "white hundred-dollar bill" in exchange for its redemption.

A source from Lebanon's Central Bank told An-Nahar that such practices are illegal, emphasizing that the hundred-dollar bill remains fully valid. The source added that anyone requesting a discount is in violation of the law.

"This is theft," the source said, warning that those exploiting citizens in this manner could face legal action.

The Central Bank further clarified that there is no issue with the "white hundred-dollar bill" and that neither the U.S. Federal Reserve nor the U.S. Treasury Department has issued any statements suggesting otherwise. The source explained that the Internal Security Forces, in coordination with the central bank, issued a reassuring statement to dispel the rumors, and the situation is gradually returning to normal.

The confusion surrounding the "white hundred-dollar bill" has also highlighted another issue: the difficulty in distinguishing counterfeit bills from genuine ones. Many exchange dealers have struggled to identify fake "white hundreds" using currency-checking machines, raising concerns about their circulation.

Mahmoud Halawi, a money changer, told An-Nahar that while dealers can now identify counterfeit bills by recognizing certain features, it remains challenging for ordinary citizens. He added that companies are working to update their machines, which will take about 10 days. Halawi also noted that the recent U.S. statement regarding the validity of the currency might provide counterfeiters with an opportunity to flood the market with fake bills. He warned that a batch of counterfeit hundred-dollar bills had recently entered Lebanon from abroad.

Halawi condemned the exploitation of the crisis by some exchange shops offering discounts on dollar bills, stating that such practices harm the reputation of money changers and violate the principles of the profession. He confirmed that exchange shops would accept old hundred-dollar bills if they are in good condition, without any deductions.