This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
Police are warning businesses to beware of a number of fake fifty pound notes which have been circulating on the Isle of Wight.
We have received eight reports since the start of October at locations including: Niton, East Cowes, Rookley, Carisbrooke, and Bembridge.
Poor quality notes
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
Men using the notes
Those tendering them have been men aged in their late teens to early 30s 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.
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Officers are warning businesses and banks to be aware and take extra care to make several checks before accepting fifty pound notes as a valid payment for goods or services.
Get in touch
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.
