The Bermuda Police Service is reporting an increase in the number of reported counterfeit Bermuda $50 notes.

The most recent has a serial number of A1498951, and is pictured above.

A Police spokesman stated: “With the holiday season upon us, businesses are asked to remind their staff to be especially vigilant when accepting larger denominations, in particular the old style Bermuda notes.”

They advised that often these counterfeit Bermuda $50 notes are being tendered to pay for lower priced items and/or services. Usually the criminals look to target vendors who are busy and may be under pressure to serve quickly, reducing the chance that a fraudulent transaction will be detected.

The spokesman stated: “If counterfeit cash is detected during a transaction, staff receiving the fake money should hold on to it, note the description of the individual who tendered it and contact police immediately.

“The public is similarly encouraged to remain vigilant regarding counterfeit currency. To distinguish a genuine Bermuda note from a counterfeit one, look for the tuna fish watermark to the left of the note, the metallic security thread just right of the tuna fish watermark and the silver ship to the right of the note.

“Also, examine the paper quality and check to see if the serial numbers on two notes are the same, as all genuine currency has individual serial numbers.”

Police also stated that it is a criminal offence to pass to another, possess, make or reproduce any counterfeit currency. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Any suspicious circumstances regarding counterfeit currency should be reported directly to the main Police telephone number 295-0011 or via the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.