Counterfeit £20 Polymer Notes Featuring King Charles III Circulating in Oxfordshire
Counterfeit £20 polymer notes featuring King Charles III have been circulating in Chipping Norton and Witney, prompting police to warn the public about counterfeit cash scams.
Two separate incidents reported high-value item sellers being paid with fake notes, leading officers to issue advice on safe transactions.
PCSO Wesley Smith emphasized that if you believe you've received counterfeit banknotes, do not attempt to spend them. Instead, contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and report the incident, providing as much information as possible about the buyer, any vehicle used, and where and when the sale took place.
The edges of the vertical holographic security strip were raised on the counterfeit notes, whereas genuine Bank of England polymer notes have a smooth strip. The majority of the fake notes had the same serial number, which is a clear sign of forgery since every real banknote has a unique serial number.