Police in Inverness have urged businesses to be on their guard after a stash of fake bank notes were found in the city.
Officers recovered a quantity of fake cash, designed to look like Bank of England £50 notes, at a hotel in the Highland capital earlier this week.
The fake notes would have been worth a five-figure sum if they had been successfully used.
Inquiries are ongoing to establish the origin of these notes – and officers are urging businesses and members of the public who regularly handle cash to watch out for counterfeit money.
Detective Inspector Steven Mackenzie said: “We have not had any recent reports about the use of counterfeit money but we do want people who regularly work with money to be aware of the warning signs.
“Please thoroughly check all bank notes, particularly if they are of high value, before completing a transaction.
“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 who deliberately uses counterfeit currency is committing a crime and we will investigate all instances reported to us.”
Anyone who has concerns about counterfeit money should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
