Beware dud notes, warns Central Bank

Christmas shoppers have been warned to be wary of forged notes in circulation, it emerged today.

The Central Bank, which said it had issued a record €11bn to banks, said counterfeiters trying to con customers with dud banknotes are more active at this time of year.

Spokesperson Elaine Mannix said: “The euro is produced to the highest standards and is a very difficult banknote to counterfeit.

“Most counterfeit banknotes that we have come across have been generally of a poor quality.

“Although it should be relatively easy to spot counterfeits, we would encourage consumers to keep a eye out over the Christmas period.”

The Bank has advised people to give each banknotes the ‘Feel/Look/Tilt’ test.

This comprises of carefully feeling the banknotes, which have a unique texture, including raised print.

When the banknote is held up to the light a picture, the value of the banknote and the security thread can all be seen.

On the 5, 10 and 20 euro notes, a hologram appears on the foil stripe on the front of the banknote, while on the reverse an iridescent stripe shines and changes colour slightly.

On the higher value notes (50, 100, 200, 500) a hologram appears on the foil patch on the front of the banknote, while on the reverse of the banknote, when tilted, colour shifting ink makes the value numerals change from purple to olive green, or brown.

Anyone who suspects they have a counterfeit banknote should pass it over to their local gardaí.