How to spot a fake bank note

Being handed a fake bank note used to be a problem mainly for busy shops and retailers. Now, it’s increasingly affecting people selling items through online marketplaces.

This week, police issued a fresh warning about a rise in counterfeit notes. Leicestershire Police say they have received more than 30 reports in recent months of people being paid with fake cash after selling items online, often from their homes.

Nottinghamshire Police have reported similar cases involving counterfeit notes used in private sales. In St Ives, Cornwall, officers even launched an appeal after someone sold a bike for £4,700 in fake cash.

If you’re meeting a buyer and accepting cash, here’s what to check:

Check the feel: raised print or smooth?

Genuine banknotes have raised print you can feel with your fingers.

Run your finger over:

• the large number in the bottom right corner
• the words ‘Bank of England’

If the note feels completely smooth, it could be fake.

Examine the transparent window

Real polymer £20 notes have a large clear window. Inside, you should see a portrait of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II.

Around the edge of the window:

• the value of the note
• the words ‘Bank of England’, printed twice

The window should be clear and sharply defined. If it looks cloudy, blurry or poorly printed, it could be a fake.

Tilt the foil hologram

On the front of the note, there’s a silver foil patch with a hologram.

When you tilt the note, the wording should change, for example, from ‘Twenty’ to ‘Pounds.’

If the image doesn’t shift clearly or looks flat, treat the note with suspicion.

Compare with a genuine note

If you’re unsure, compare the note with one you know is real. Check the:

• print quality
• colours
• texture
• security features

Small differences are often easier to spot when you compare them side by side.

Consider safer payment methods

If possible, avoid cash altogether. A bank transfer or another secure payment method may be safer when selling items online.

Use official training resources

Bank of England offers free online training that explains the security features of its bank notes. This can help you recognise genuine notes and spot counterfeits more confidently.

What to do if you’re given a fake note

The Bank of England cannot reimburse you for counterfeit notes.

If you believe you have received one:

1. Take it to your nearest police station.
2. The note will be sent to the National Crime Agency.
3. If confirmed as counterfeit, it will then be forwarded to the Bank of England for further examination.

Always be cautious when accepting cash, especially in private sales, to help protect you from losing money.