Fake Fifty Pound Notes in circulation on the Isle of Wight

Businesses are being warned about counterfeit fifty pound notes in circulation on the Isle of Wight. Police issued the warning advising businesses and to make them ware of a number of fake fifty pound notes which have been circulating on the Isle of Wight. Officers have received eight reports since the start of October at locations including: Niton, East Cowes, Rookley, Carisbrooke, and Bembridge. The notes are described as poor quality and can be identified by checking the following: All fake notes bear the same serial number AJ65238105 The edges to the coloured portions of the notes don’t look defined and smudge in places The notes bear no water marks of holograms According to the victims they claim the notes feel ‘too thick’. The notes look like they have been printed on a home computer Those tendering them have been men aged in their late teens to early 30’s using either intimidating behaviour or distraction techniques to prevent shop workers from checking notes properly. They usually buy something of low value and offer the note in payment getting back the change in real currency. Officers are warning businesses and banks to be aware and take extra care to make several checks before accepting fifty pound notes as a valid payment for goods or services. If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference ‘44170381221’, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.