Checks can be made quickly and easily using the security features on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. Signs to look for include:

Paper banknotes

• The feel of the paper and the raised print
• The watermark
• The holograms
• The metallic thread
• The motion thread on the £50 note

The polymer £5 note

• The see-through window and the portrait of the Queen
• The Elizabeth Tower is gold on the front of the note and silver on the back
• The foil patches

Counterfeiters target vulnerable people, such as the elderly, and businesses, such as charity shops. Scams include: attempting to purchase low value items and pocketing the change; passing a counterfeit within a number of genuine notes; and asking to swap fake notes for a different denomination.

It is a criminal offence to knowingly use or be in possession of fake notes. The maximum sentence under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 is 10 years’ imprisonment.

If you find yourself in possession of a counterfeit note or suspect it to be so you should give it to the police. If it turns out to be a legitimate note you will be reimbursed.

If you have any information on anyone making, selling or buying counterfeit notes, you can tell Crimestoppers anonymously by filling in our Anonymous Online Form or calling free on 0800 555 111.

Please note: We are unable to take calls from victims, i.e. members of the public who may have been passed counterfeit notes. We take information from people who have knowledge about those involved in making, buying or selling counterfeit notes.