Police warn of COUNTERFEIT NOTES as shops targeted by fake Scottish banknotes
- Perry Richardson
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 2
Retailers nationwide are being urged to stay alert after reports of counterfeit Scottish banknotes being used in stores.
West Yorkshire Police say fake Clydesdale £20 notes are circulating, with fraudsters using them to buy goods before returning items for cash at different branches.
Wakefield CID is leading an investigation into the scam, which has already resulted in three arrests. Officers stopped a car in West Yorkshire on Tuesday 21 January, leading to charges against three men from Galway, Ireland.
Patrick Ward, 22, and Jason Ward, 19, have been charged with conspiracy to possess counterfeit currency and remain in custody. William Browne, 19, faces the same charge but has been released on bail. All three are set to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 21 February.
The offences are linked to incidents in Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield and Chesterfield. Police are continuing their inquiries and urging businesses to check banknotes carefully.
Detective Sergeant Craig Twycross from Wakefield CID said: “We are urging retailers to be vigilant and to take the time to check notes thoroughly.
“Shop staff should familiarise themselves with the security features of genuine notes, and if in doubt compare the suspect note with a note you know to be genuine.
“Any incidents involving these notes should be reported to your local police force.”
Neil Harris, Head of Unit at the National Counterfeit Currency Unit (UKNCO) at the NCA, said: “Counterfeit Clydesdale £20 notes may feature what looks like a convincing hologram, but staff should also check for the colour-changing ink used in the map of Scotland in the top left corner of the note.
“If the note is genuine, the map will change colour from purple to gold when the note is tilted, and there are also moving rings across the map.
“You can also feel for the raised print that appears across the note including on the name of the bank."
