Forgery and fakes

Forgery, the art of making false money, has always been considered a very serious crime. In the past, punishments for forgery included deportation, having your hands cut off, being boiled alive, and execution! However, driven on by the profit to be made by turning inexpensive pieces of metal and paper into something of value, forgers continue to break the law, although these days the punishment is more likely to be a large fine or imprisonment. Not only do forgers harm the individuals taken in by their deceit, they also cheat the state by whose authority money is issued. Despite all the devices adopted by coinmakers and banknote printers to make forgeries impossible, there are still plenty of forgers prepared to overcome these difficulties, take the risks, and, if caught, face the consequence!

(Cribb, Joe. Money. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1990)

Identify the true statements about the text, then choose the right alternative.

I. Forgery is considered a crime now but in the past it wasn't.

II. Punishments for making false money have changed throughout history.

III. Today's punishments for forgery are less severe than those from the past.

IV. Today's coinmakers and banknote printers are able to produce coins and notes that cannot be forged.