Fake £20 notes alert ahead of Royal Welsh

The hoards of people from the Welshpool area heading to the Royal Welsh Show next week are being warned over an influx of fake £20 notes flooding into Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said there had been an increase this week in reports of fake £20 notes in that area, a big concern with the huge annual festival just around the corner.

Visitors to the area being advised to check every note carefully or risk being prosecuted.

They have asked us to share the following on the several distinguishing features for a real bank note:

• The word “twenty” in the oval hologram will change to the word “pounds” when you tilt the banknote from side to side.
• The holographic area should appear multicoloured when it is tilted.
• Genuine UK polymer notes have a smooth, slightly glossy feel, and raised print on areas like the words “Bank of England”.

Fake bank notes can be identified in the following ways: 

• The word “twenty” in the hologram does not change when you tilt it.
• The holographic area appears silver when tilted.
• The texture and thickness are incorrect; with the holographic patch appearing out of alignment due to it being glued down.

Police also encourage the public to watch out for “Prop Notes” which have words such as “prop” or “copy” printed on them. These words are often covered by a foil sticker, designed to replicate the security holographic strip.

Even without the foil sticker, these “prop notes” are deemed counterfeit under UK legislation.

You can find more advice on checking your bank notes here: How to check your banknotes | Bank of England

“Possessing and using counterfeit currency are serious offences which could result in a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone with information on counterfeit currency is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.