Limerick businesses warned of increase in detections of counterfeit cash

GARDAI have issued a warning to businesses in Limerick following a number of recent incidents involving counterfeit money.

The tendering of counterfeit currency is increasing at present and incidents of counterfeit and 'prop' money being posted into Ireland are also rising.

"In many cases, business owners are detecting people using counterfeit €50 notes to buy small items," said Garda John Finnerty who is urging vigilance.

To check if a euro note is genuine cash handlers and members of the public should 'feel, look, tilt and check' notes.

"Each note is made out of cotton and should feel crisp and firm. The ink is raised, if you run your finger across the note the ink will feel thicker in parts," said Garda Finnerty who added that each note should also be checked for a security tread which will also state the numeral value of the note.

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When genuine euro notes are held against the light, a watermark and the numeral value should be visible and when you tilt the note you will see a hologram which will also show the value of the note.

On the back of the note the colour of the numeral value will change colour from purple to olive green to brown on the €50, €100, €200 or €500 notes.

Gardai say each note should have the signature of the President of the European Central Bank and that the value of the note appears in the watermark, the security thread, and in the hologram.

"We wish to remind the public, and in particular business owners and their staff, to be on the lookout for counterfeit notes, in  all denominations, and if presented to retain the note and contact gardaí," said Garda Finnerty.