14/12/2023

PSNI Issues Warning Of Counterfeit RBS Bank Notes

The PSNI is asking retailers and the public to "exercise caution" when dealing with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) polymer/plastic £50 notes, after a number of counterfeit notes were recovered across Northern Ireland.

Counterfeit £50 notes can be identified as fake from the holographic foil strip on each note. A genuine note will have a silver holographic foil strip whilst the counterfeit notes have been found with gold holographic foil strips. It has also been identified that the counterfeit notes do not have individual serial numbers but feature repeating serial numbers.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson from the PSNI's Economic Crime Unit said: "We are keen to take this opportunity to inform everyone about these counterfeit RBS notes – including business owners, employees and members of the public – and to ask them to be vigilant when handling these notes. Anyone with any concerns or information regarding counterfeit notes should call 101. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."

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