Counterfeit currency

The public are being remind not to fall foul of forged cash, following reports that people have been paid with fake bank notes when selling unwanted items via social media.

There are simple checks you can make to identify a counterfeit bank note by checking the holographic foil strip – on a genuine note the wording in this strip will change from the value of the note to ‘pounds’, for example from ‘twenty’ to ‘pounds’, but on a counterfeit note, this word is fixed.

You can also check the name of the bank – on a genuine note this wording will be raised but a counterfeit one will be smooth to touch.

Further information on how to check Bank of England notes can be found at the following links: -

If you have information about people supplying, selling, using counterfeit bank notes please contact West Mercia Police via our website Report fraud, bribery or corruption | West Mercia Police

If you do receive counterfeit bank notes in payment, report it to the police immediately.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form.