Warning to check notes as reports of counterfeit cash in Derbyshire
Businesses and private sellers are being urged to remain vigilant for counterfeit money following a number of reports across the county in recent weeks.
In some cases, businesses have been targeted, but there have also been reports from private sellers who arranged to sell items via social media or online selling platforms.
PC Louise Rodger from the Fraud Unit said:
“Businesses and sellers are encouraged to take a moment to check that they are satisfied with the look and feel of any cash they are accepting.
“The Bank of England provides a number of guides and schemes on its website to help train staff. Taking the time to understand how to check cash now could save time, money and stress in the long run.”
Checking banknotes
Always carry out a visual inspection of cash. The Bank of England provides detailed guidance on its website: How to check your banknotes | Bank of England.
When checking notes, look for the following security features:
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The hologram image should change when the note is tilted from side to side, with the words changing from ‘five’, ‘ten’, ‘twenty’ or ‘fifty’ to ‘pounds’ and back again at the bottom of the note.
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On £50 notes, the two gold foil squares on the front should change between a ‘50’ and a ‘£’ when tilted.
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The metallic image over the see-through window should be a different colour depending on the value of the note, and silver on the back of all notes.
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Raised print should be noticeable on the front of polymer notes, particularly on the words ‘Bank of England’ and around the large number.
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Print quality should be sharp and clear, with no smudging or blurred edges. Under a magnifying glass, the value of the note can be seen written in small letters and numbers.
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Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the value of the note should appear in bright red and green on the front.
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Tactile features can also help identify genuine notes. On £10, £20 and £50 notes, the value can be identified by clusters of raised dots in the top left corner:
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£10 notes have two clusters
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£20 notes have three clusters
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£50 notes have four clusters
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The £5 note does not include these dots, which helps blind and partially sighted people distinguish it from other denominations.
People attempting to use counterfeit banknotes may behave suspiciously. This can include attempting to pay large amounts using small notes, appearing nervous, or trying to rush the transaction.
Advice for payments via selling websites and social media
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Use trusted payment platforms such as PayPal, Stripe or Square, which can offer fraud protection and chargeback handling. Always check that funds have cleared into an account using a trusted app or direct login, and do not rely on links or screenshots provided by a buyer.
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Use the integrated payment systems offered by established platforms such as eBay, Amazon or Etsy.
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If accepting payment by bank transfer, always confirm that the money is visible in the account via a trusted banking app or website before handing over or shipping goods.
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