Police are warning businesses on the Isle of Wight to beware of a number of fake £50 notes which have been circulating locally.
Officers have received 8 reports since the start of October at locations including Niton, East Cowes, Rookley, Carisbrooke and Bembridge.
The notes are described as poor quality and can be identified by checking the following:
• All fake notes bear the same serial number AJ65238105
• The edges to the coloured portions of the notes don’t look defined and smudge in places
• The notes bear no water marks of holograms
• According to the victims they claim the notes feel ‘too thick’.
• The notes look like they have been printed on a home computer
Those tendering them have been men aged in their late teens to early 30’s using either intimidating behaviour or distraction techniques to prevent shop workers from checking notes properly.
They usually buy something of low value and offer the note in payment getting back the change in real currency.
Officers are warning businesses and banks to be aware and take extra care to make several checks before accepting £50 notes as a valid payment for goods or services.
Anyone who has any information about who is responsible for circulating the notes is asked to call 101 quoting 44170381221 Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
