BUSINESSES and consumers are being warned to be extra vigilant when dealing with cash after a surge in the number of counterfeit notes circulating in Clackmannanshire.

Police in Alloa are advising people to be on the look out for fake money, following the reporting of ten separate incidents since 8 January.

It is said that the notes going around are predominantly £20 notes, although there has been £10 and £5 notes also recovered.

And so far the majority of the notes have been passed of as Clydesdale Bank printed currency.

Sergeant Scott Thomson says the fake cash has been reported by several businesses in the Wee County including Asda, high street shops and also a number of local taxi companies.

He said, “To the naked eye these notes look very convincing, the most obvious indication of the money being fake is down to the texture of the paper as its softer than real paper money.

“If people suspect they have been handed counterfeit cash then they are well within in their right not to accept it if they have any doubts.” The Sergeant says criminals have been using the fake cash to pay for transactions of a minimal amount in order to maximise the return of legitimate cash for themselves.

There have been incidents reported in Alloa, Clackmannan and Tullibody and police are urging anyone who thinks they may have come into contact with counterfeit money to get in touch with them.

Sergeant Thomson added, “We have made two arrests, one male and one female, regarding the passing of fake money. However by this point it is already in circulation.

“If people have fallen victim to the scam and have taken possession of illegitimate currency I urge them to contact us.” So far police have recovered the equivalent of around £400 in fake notes in Clackmannanshire.

If you have any information concerning fake banks notes, contact Police on the non-emergency number 101.