Police Issue Warning on Counterfeit Currency in Newark
Nottinghamshire Police have advised the public to remain cautious following an increase in reports of counterfeit banknotes circulating in the Newark area.
The force confirmed it had received three separate reports involving fake banknotes used as payment for takeaway food and items purchased via social media platforms. The counterfeit notes primarily consisted of false £20 and £10 denominations.
Identifying Features of Fake Notes
According to Nottinghamshire Police, counterfeit notes discovered in Newark exhibited holograms affixed to the surface that could be peeled off. This feature was particularly noticeable when handling a "wad of notes," as the stickers caused the notes to be thicker than genuine currency.
Police also highlighted additional characteristics observed in the counterfeit notes, including a bright white background and blurred details upon close inspection. Furthermore, the holograms on these notes did not change appearance when the notes were tilted, unlike authentic banknotes.
Advice from the Bank of England
In a social media warning posted on Sunday, police shared guidance from the Bank of England on how to identify counterfeit currency. The force emphasized that the Bank of England website offers extensive information on security features to look for in genuine notes.
"The Bank of England website provides lots of information on what to look out for," the police stated.
Public Engagement and Contact Information
To assist the public in recognizing counterfeit notes, police released images comparing real and fake currency. They encouraged residents to stay informed and vigilant.
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