Warning after counterfeit cash used in sales

Online sellers and businesses are being urged to take extra care following an increase in counterfeit notes being used for payment.

With a recent rise in reports of counterfeit notes in circulation in Nottinghamshire, those dealing in cash are encouraged to be extra vigilant.

In supermarkets and petrol stations, people have been attempting, and in some cases, succeeding in using the notes to make payments.

Private sellers advertising goods through online buying and selling platforms such as Facebook Marketplace have also reported counterfeit cash in circulation.

Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud team have released the following advice for those looking to make a sale online:

• use trusted selling platforms that have built-in protections
• be cautious about cash payments, especially for high-value items
• don’t be persuaded away from secure payment platforms by a potential purchaser
• arrange to meet in a public place that you consider safe.
•  tell someone your plans or consider taking someone with you
• check notes carefully
•  trust your instinct –if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Detective Sergeant Thomas Rawlings,  of Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud team, said:

"Whilst many businesses have the ability to check if a note is counterfeit, most private sellers who put items on online selling platforms such as Facebook Market Place don’t.

"As a result, we’ve had victims selling items such as cars only to find out that the money is fake.

"Our advice is to check for genuine security features - comparing a suspect note with one that is known to be genuine.

"If you do have a counterfeit note, make sure you report it to us and retain the cash to use as evidence.

“And remember, a genuine purchaser will understand the importance of checking currency and will not rush or pressure a seller.

“If it doesn’t feel right, trust your instinct.”

If you’re dealing in cash, take the following steps to ensure notes are legitimate:

•  genuine notes have unique serial numbers so if you have two notes displaying the same serial number, at least one of them is a counterfeit
•  tilt the note to see the colour change / foil features
• look for microtext and the clear window(s)
• additional features can be seen under an ultraviolet (UV) light check that they are the right colour(s) and in the right position on the note
• raised print is used in some of the features on genuine banknotes and should feel slightly rough to the touch
• lines and print should be sharp and well defined with no blurred edges
• colours should be clear and distinct – not hazy

More advice on how to spot fake bank notes can be found on the Bank of England’s website: How to check your banknotes | Bank of England