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Fake Scottish £50 notes and £20 notes |
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As part of Operation Claud Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers are carrying out patrols targeting shop theft. As part of our engagements we have been made aware of counterfeit notes throughout Derbyshire Dales area.
As a result of this we are offering the following advice detailing things to look out for in identifying counterfeit notes and what to do if you find one;
Scottish £50 notes;
🔍 Common Security Features on All Scottish £50 Polymer Notes● A large transparent window on the left side. ● Bank of Scotland notes also feature internal clear windows within the front design (e.g. building “Mound”). Tilting the note reveals moving images: ● On Bank of Scotland notes: clouds drifting behind the statue/head. ● On RBS notes: the “50” moves laterally. Tactile feel on the bank’s name and denomination numerals. Under UV light, specific motifs glow in two tones (thistles on BoS; ospreys on RBS).
Bank of England £20 notes;
✅ 1. Use the “Feel, Look, Tilt” Method This is the Bank of England’s recommended quick check:
Feel: Genuine polymer notes have a smooth, slightly waxy texture and raised print on words like “Bank of England” and the denomination. Counterfeits often feel flat or flimsy. Look: Hold the note up to the light:
Clear Window: A sharp-edged see-through window with a metallic image inside (e.g., Margate Lighthouse on £20). Micro-lettering: Tiny text near the portrait spelling out the note’s value. Print Quality: Genuine notes have crisp, detailed lines—no smudges or blurred edges.
Tilt: Move the note side to side:
Hologram changes between the denomination and the word “Pounds.” Colour-shifting inks on higher denominations.
✅ 2. Key Security Features on Genuine Banknotes
Large See-Through Window with a portrait of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II and “Bank of England” printed twice around the edge. Foil Patches:
£5: Green foil patch with “BLENHEIM.” £10: Copper patch with “JA.” £20: Purple patch with “T.” £50: Red patch with “AT.”
Raised Print on the front. UV Feature: Under ultraviolet light, the denomination appears in bright red and green against a dull background. Second Window: Present on £20 and £50 notes. Serial Number: Each note has a unique serial number—duplicates indicate a fake.
✅ 3. Tools for Detection
UV Light (365nm): Reveals fluorescent patterns and denomination in red/green. Fake notes often glow all over. Magnifier: Check micro-lettering. Counterfeit Detector Devices: For high-volume environments. Compare with a Genuine Note: Never rely on one feature alone.
✅ 4. What to Do if You Find a Suspect Note
Do NOT return it to the passer—it’s a criminal offence to knowingly circulate counterfeit currency. Report to Police: Complete an NCO-1 form; the note will be sent to the National Crime Agency for analysis. Banks: If you don’t know who gave you the note, take it to a bank branch for retention and investigation.
Please share this advice with your staff members and although it is a busy time of year with many Christmas Markets taking place, please take that extra few seconds to check.
Bakewell Safer Neighbourhood Team
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