Warning issued over forged bank notes in circulation in Meath

Gardai are warning people that there has been a recent increase in the number of counterfeit banknotes in circulation and have offered advice on how to know if a note is genuine.

In a recent post on the An Garda Síochana Meath facebook page, Gardai said it had come to their attention in Meath/Westmeath division that there has been a recent increase in the number of counterfeit banknotes in circulation.

Gardai have asked that all retail premises be aware of this during transactions and to report any suspicious activity.

Advising the public on what to look out for, they said that you should be able to feel the raised intaglio printing on all genuine notes and also the tactile marks on the €200 and €500 banknotes and that if you hold the note against a bright light source, the denomination (i.e €5, €10, €20) should be fully visible in the top left hand corner and perfectly formed.

“Look at the colour shifting ink on the reverse side of the high value notes (i.e. €50, €100 etc.). The value numeral looks purple when viewed straight on, but appears olive green or even brown when viewed at an angle. On the reverse of low-value notes (i.e. €5, €10, and €20) look for the iridescent stripe that shines against bright light

“You can also see a security thread embedded in the genuine note. If you hold the banknote against a bright light source you can see the watermark and the security thread on the note.

The watermark is visible from the front and back of the note. The watermark comprises the main architectural motif and the value numeral of the note.”