RESIDENTS and businesses in Bromsgrove are being warned to be on their guard after a number of counterfeit notes have been found in circulation in the district.
Officers have received several reports of fake bank notes being used and West Mercia Police is now issuing advice on how to spot them.
The force said: “We have been made aware of incidents whereby counterfeit notes, which are entirely worthless, were used to purchase high-value electronic goods on an online selling forum.”
And it recommended residents and businesses use online banking to receive payments for goods, especially when using social media selling sites, and to ensure they check cash thoroughly when transacting in notes.
The notes pictured are completely worthless and police want residents, shopkeepers and other businesses to be more vigilant in spotting them.
How to spot fake bank notes
The hologram image on the notes should change between ‘Twenty’ and ‘Pounds’ when tilted and the transparent window should have clearly defined images and edges.
Words on the notes, especially ‘Bank of England’ should be in raised print.
If a note feels unusual, appears blurry or lacks security features, it should not be accepted.
For more on checking notes, visit: orlo.uk/jA7ns and, if they are counterfeit, call police on 101. Businesses should also notify their banks.
People carrying out face-to-face transactions should not put themselves at risk by confronting anyone directly, try to retain the note if it is safely possible to do so and then report it to police.
