RETAILERS and the public are being warned about a batch of counterfeit Bank of Ireland £50 notes that are being passed by Irish men in Hampshire.
The counterfeit notes are of an old design, and do not feature a hologram and are green in colour, advise Hampshire Police.
The warning comes after two men with strong Irish accents bought low value goods with fake £50 notes at stores in Alresford and Kingsworthy on Wednesday, January 17.
One of the men is described as having a shaven head, a shaped beard, and wearing all black clothing, with a hoodie underneath his jacket and Nike trainers with white soles.
The other is described as having a shortish hair, an untidy beard, and wearing grey jogging bottoms, Nike trainers with white soles, black jacket with black hoodie underneath and another layer of clothing.
The counterfeit notes are of an old design, display the serial number A383952, and are green in colour, says Hampshire Police.
In view of this police are advising that people should only accept the new style £50, which is purple.
A National Crime Agency spokesman said: “All genuine sterling notes feature a watermark and the name of the bank in raised print and each note has an individual serial number.
“If anyone passes or attempts to pass you the old style green £50 note, this should be declined and consideration given to contacting the police.”
Current Bank of Ireland (BOI) £50 notes are purple unlike the earlier BOI £50s which were green.
Information about the security features in Bank of Ireland notes can be found at the following link: www.bankofirelanduk.com/help-and-support/bank-notes/current-notes
Retailers and residents with information about people making or using counterfeit bank notes, are to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.