Fake £5 notes are circulating across Britain - and here's how to spot them
FAKE £5 notes are circulating across Britain - and here’s how to spot them.
Jane Austen engraved new £5 note worth £50,000
The Bank of England have launched an investigation after a surge of cases where the design is being copied to paper.
When the polymer note was launched last year, it was believed criminals would find it impossible to counterfeit.
However it has now emerged the design has been copied on to paper in some cases, despite bank bosses saying they were unaware of any forgeries.
It was believed the polymer note would be impossible to counterfeit
Members of the public have been advised to call 101
Please be aware of counterfeit new five pound notes circulating in the area
Dorset Police issued the first warning over the alleged counterfeit, with the Bank of England confirming they were investigating.
Dorset PCSO Sarah Dutton said: "Please be aware of counterfeit new five pound notes circulating in the area.
"Report any suspicious activity via 101 or 999 if it is an emergency."
The fake notes have been spotted in Bearwood and Kinson areas, near Poole, but others could be in circulation in Sherborne and Gillingham, according to reports.
Here are six ways to make sure your £5 is genuine:
- Check the see-through window and portrait of Queen Elizabeth
- Check Big Ben is gold on the front of the fiver and silver on the back
- Make sure the foil patch changes from “Five” to “Pounds” you tilt it
- Check the crown appears to be 3D when you wiggle the note
- Use ultra-violet light to check if the “5” appears on the bottom left of the note
- Check the green foil patch contains the word Blenheim
Dorset Police issued the first warning over the alleged counterfeit,
The older paper will stop being legal tender on May 5
If you find that your fiver feels unusual, officers have urged members of the public to contact 101.
The older paper notes will stop being legal tender on May 5, so people are reminded to exchange them at their building society.