Fake £50 notes in circulation

Fake £50 notes

Police in Middleton are urging people to ‘keep vigilant’ with £50 notes after a number of fakes have been seized.

The notes are described by Middleton Police as ‘crude copies and look as though they have been cut in a guillotine, as although straight-edged, they are not parallel with the print. They also feel unlike genuine banknotes.’

The notes display the serial number AJ13 624091, although other numbers may also be in circulation.

Over the last few weeks, items purchased or attempted to be purchased with the notes have included a Samsung Galaxy S6, £300-pounds’ worth of flowers and, bizarrely, a monkey, which was not handed over after the owner noticed the notes were fake.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We have had a number of incidents over the last couple of weeks whereby forged £50 bank notes are being passed as legal tender.

“Some of the items bought or attempted to be bought are a Samsung Galaxy S6 (advertised on Gumtree), £300 pounds’ worth of flowers that were 'bought' from a local florist and packed into a van by a second offender and driven off whilst the person with the cash was being challenged and a monkey that was advertised for sale in a specialist publication.

“Luckily the owner noticed the forged notes and the monkey was never handed over.

“Officers are working on some leads, but could you please be vigilant if being handed £50, especially if you work in the retail trade or are selling any personal items.”