A taxi driver in Nottinghamshire recently spotted counterfeit cash by its unusual look and feel, prompting local police to highlight key security features that can help identify fake banknotes.
The Bank of England emphasizes that modern notes are printed on a polymer substrate, making them difficult to counterfeit. If a note doesn't look or feel right, it's likely not genuine.
Phillips, a spokesperson, points to two critical security features: the hologram and the see-through window. The hologram, located near the monarch's head, flips between the denomination and the word 'Pounds' when tilted. The see-through window should have a gold foil on the front and a silver appearance on the back.
If you suspect a note is counterfeit, reject it immediately. If you've already accepted one, do not attempt to spend it, as passing on fake money is illegal. Instead, contact your local police or send the note to the Bank of England for analysis. Authentic notes will be reimbursed, but counterfeit ones are valueless.