Shoppers urged to be 'vigilant' of £50 Scottish banknotes as police issue warning after discovery at popular retail park

After uncovering the counterfeit trade, the force then issued a warning to the public on how to avoid being stung in the future.

West Mercia Police informed shoppers that fake notes can be identified by their holographic security feature, which peels away from the paper, a clear indication that the money is not genuine.

The warning was shared through the Neighbourhood Matters community messaging service, urging local residents and retailers to remain vigilant when handling cash.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Please be aware that there have been a number of fake Scottish banknotes, both £20 and £50, passed at Malvern Retail Park this afternoon.

"The holographic foil can be peeled off.

"If you encounter any of these notes, please either report online or call 101."

The force has also directed retailers to official guidance on recognising authentic Scottish currency.

In 2024, West Mercia Police issued a similar warning after a group was discovered to be using counterfeit Scottish notes to purchase small items.

“We are encouraging shops, supermarkets and garages to be vigilant, particularly around Scottish currency.

“A group have been known to make small purchases with different counterfeit £20 notes, maximising the change they get in return,” PC Daryl Kift said.

Scottish banknotes are legal currency but not legal tender, even north of the border.

In England, shops and businesses are entitled to refuse them, though most major retailers and banks will accept them without difficulty.

Unlike England and Wales, where notes are issued solely by the Bank of England, Scotland retains the centuries-old right for commercial banks to print their own designs.

The three official institutions authorised to produce the currency are the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank.

Modern Scottish notes are polymer and broadly similar in size and security features to Bank of England notes, but carry distinct artwork.

They feature prominent Scottish historical figures such as Robert the Bruce or Sir Walter Scott, alongside landmarks, wildlife and cultural imagery unique to Scotland.

The arrangement dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when Scottish banks were permitted to continue issuing notes following the Acts of Union in 1707.

That right was later formalised under banking legislation in the 19th century and remains in place today, provided the notes are fully backed by reserves held at the Bank of England.

In practical terms, Scottish notes are equal in value to their English counterparts and can be exchanged at face value at any British bank.

Beyond Scottish notes, police around the UK have issued warnings about a general rise in bogus currency of all types.

Det Sgt David Wainwright, of Lancashire Police's fraud unit, said: "We are seeing an increase in offenders using counterfeit currency to exploit honest members of the public.

"We urge anyone selling goods or accepting cash in their day‑to‑day work, to take a moment to check any notes they are given.”

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