Counterfeit bank notes circulating in the North East
A number of £50 notes have been found
We're being warned to check every £50 note we're given.
It's after a rise in the number of counterfeit notes found by Police in the North East.
You should check the texture, watermark, sharpness of print and size of any note you're handed - and if you have any concerns, report them to police.
Constable Bob McKinney of the North East Division Crime Reduction Unit said: "It would appear that a small number of counterfeit £50 notes have been turning up in shops in the Aberdeen area where someone has tendered it as genuine while trying to buy a small amount of goods.
"Police Scotland is currently following a number of lines of enquiry but can I ask that everyone be vigilant and be very cautious of £50 notes handed to you. Please examine the notes carefully for texture, watermark, sharpness of print and size.
"If you have any concerns, please report them to the police.
"Retailers can take simple steps to avoid being scammed in this fashion by using such items as counterfeit note detector pens or UV scanners, both of which greatly increase the chances of picking up a counterfeit note before change has been passed of goods supplied.
"Further details can be found on the Bank of England website."
If you are concerned about becoming a victim of such a crime or have any information which could help police please call on 101.