Police have warned the public to be on the watch for counterfeit Bermuda $50 bills in circulation on the island.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said all of the notes have the serial numbers A/I 509979 or A/I 441162.

The spokesman added: “This week alone — after the arrest of two men — police have seized 35 fake Bermuda $50 notes, which are easily identifiable by their low quality and having the ‘Longtail’ portrait on both sides of the note.

“Additionally, each note is poorly cut and contains none of the official security features, such as the hibiscus watermark or metallic thread.

“One man has already been dealt with in court regarding this counterfeit cash, while the other is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Employees are asked to hold on to any fake money detected during a transaction, note the description of the person who tendered it and contact police immediately.

The spokesman added: “Members of the public should take a few seconds to examine any money they may receive, especially the larger denominations.

“Persons who may have unknowingly received counterfeit currency are encouraged to contact the main police telephone number 295-0011 at the earliest opportunity to report the matter.

“Alternatively, if you are aware of suspicious circumstances regarding suspected counterfeit currency and wish to report it anonymously, please call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.”

The spokesman warned that it is a criminal offence to pass on, possess or reproduce counterfeit currency.

Such offences can carry a five-year prison sentence.