Businesses around the north-east are being urged to be on the lookout for counterfeit notes.
Officers have warned a number of fake £50 notes were found around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Anyone worried about their cash is asked to check the watermark, and if they are sceptical about the quality of the note’s printing, to contact the police.
Constable Bob McKinney said: “It would appear that a small number of counterfeit £50 notes have been turning up in shops in the Aberdeen area where someone has tendered it as genuine while trying to buy a small amount of goods.
“Police Scotland is currently following a number of lines of inquiry but can I ask that everyone be vigilant and be very cautious of £50 notes handed to you.
“Please examine the notes carefully for texture, watermark, sharpness of print and size.
“Retailers can take simple steps to avoid being scammed in this fashion by using such items as counterfeit note detector pens or UV scanners, both of which greatly increase the chances of picking up a counterfeit note before change has been passed of goods supplied.”
Anyone with information about the notes should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
