Commonwealth Games: Warning over fake banknotes
Police have warned that fraudsters are attempting to pass off counterfeit £20 in parts of Glasgow, relying on the increase in customer numbers the Games have brought to cloak their activities.
It is thought that criminals are relying on shopkeepers and cash desks being under increased pressure during the Games, making it more likely that the forgeries will be unwittingly accepted.
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Hide AdShops left holding the fake notes will find themselves doubly out of pocket, as they have given real cash back in change and also lost money on the goods the fraudsters have ‘bought’.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Counterfeit currency is in circulation in the Maryhill area, specifically £20 notes.
“Check all money and report anything suspicious.”
The force said they are “committed” to ensuring the safety of spectators and visitors to the Games and have warned locals and tourists to be on the lookout for the fake bank notes.
Genuine Scottish banknotes have several safety features making them difficult to forge: they bear a watermark visible when held up to the light and also has a metallic thread in running through the note.
Every bank note has fluorescent markings which only show up under ultraviolet light and also has a unique serial number.
The notes are also printed on a unique type of paper which feels slightly rough and does not feel smooth, limp, oily or waxy.
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