The ruling on a counterfeit rupee

Question

Question: If in trade a counterfeit coin — a paisa (a small copper coin, a fraction of a rupee) or a rupee — comes into one’s hands, what should one do with it?

Answer

If it is known from whom it came, then it should be given back to that very person in whatever way is possible — either by telling him or by deception. If this is not known, then deceiving is not permissible: let it be given while telling (the recipient), even if the one taking it accepts it at a lower value.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.