Don’t get left out of pocket by counterfeiters - police urge
Retailers are being advised to check all notes carefully before accepting them and to report any suspicious incidents.
Police have revealed a number of steps which can be taken to raise awareness amongst retailers and customers, and also to deter criminals.
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Hide Ad• Display clear warning signs stating: - ‘COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT’
• Ensure store staff are aware of how to examine notes.
• Have a policy for your staff to follow on discovery of a counterfeit note. This should include the retention of the note and contacting the police, with a description of the person passing the suspect banknote.
• Ensure there are good lighting conditions at cash points.
Genuine notes can be recognised by the following observations:
• Does the main printing feel raised?
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Hide Ad• Can you see a bold and clear watermark when the note is held up to the light?
• Does the note feel crisp and not limp, waxy or shiny?
• Is the print clear, sharp and well defined?
• Are the colours clear and distinct? Compare the suspect note against a note which is known to be genuine.
• Is the security thread continuous when the note is held up to the light?
For further tips and information, police have pointed out that a ‘Know your banknotes’ leaflets can be downloaded from the internet.