BUSINESSES in Annan and the surrounding area are on high alert for counterfeit money after a number of forged £20 banknotes sneaked their way into circulation.
Over the last ten days, The Anglers, The Baguette Bar and Annan Athletic have all posted on social media advising that strict checks will be carried out if they are given any £20 notes, while Slaters Funfair refused to accept them when they were in the town last week.
No fewer than seven fakes found their way into tills at The Anglers during the Scottish Grand National weekend.
A busy bar, loud music and dimmed lighting all played a hand in helping the fakes dupe staff and go through unnoticed.
Manager Sean Black said: “It is tight enough to run the bit without losing £140 in a weekend.”
All members of staff have now undergone training and all £20 notes will be double checked to ensure authenticity.
The fakes all appear to bear the Royal Bank of Scotland name and Sean shared their distinguishing features along with ways to spot them.
He added: “We have gone through training and also have Bank of England training notes.
“The hologram rubs off, the serial number bleeds through to the back and under the UV light the face is more vivid.”
Meanwhile, the police have warned residents and business owners to stay vigilant and get in touch if they think something is not right with their cash.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “One incident of counterfeit currency was reported to police from a business address on Annan High Street, on Thursday, May 4. Enquiries are continuing.
“We would encourage people to check their bank notes on receipt and would advise anyone who believes they have received counterfeit currency to report it to police.”
