POLICE have issued advice, after reports of a flurry of fake £20 notes in circulation in Builth Wells, ahead of next week’s Royal Welsh Show.
Dyfed-Powys Police has urged people be vigilant and check every note carefully, with the popular event attracting hundreds of thousands of people annually to the town, as well as the showground in nearby Llanelwedd.
The show, one of the highlights of the Powys calendar, takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground from Monday to Thursday, July 20-23.
“Could YOU spot a fake £20 note?,” asked police in a post that appeared on its Llandrindod, Builth, Rhayader, Presteigne and Knighton Police Facebook page on Tuesday, July 14.
“We’ve received an increase in the number of reports of fake £20 notes in circulation across the Builth Wells area of Powys.
“With the Royal Welsh Show just around the corner, we would like to advise people to remain vigilant and check every note carefully.”
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Here’s what to look out for:
- Real – the word “twenty” in the oval hologram will change to the word “pounds” when you tilt the banknote from side to side.
- Fake – the word “twenty” in the hologram does not change when you tilt it.
- Real – The holographic area should appear multicoloured when it is tilted.
- Fake – The holographic area appears silver when tilted.
- Real – Genuine UK polymer notes have a smooth, slightly glossy feel, and raised print on areas like the words “Bank of England”.
- Fake – the texture and thickness are incorrect; with the holographic patch appearing out of alignment due to it being glued down.
Watch out for ‘Prop Notes’ which have words such as ‘prop’ or ‘copy’ printed on them. You might find a foil sticker – which is meant to replicate the security holographic strip – has been used to cover the words up.
Even without the foil sticker, these ‘prop notes’ are deemed counterfeit under UK legislation.
You can find more advice on checking your bank notes at https://orlo.uk/Xmgee.
Possessing and using counterfeit currency are serious offences which could result in a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
