Gardaí have issued a warning to anyone in the North Cork area about 'high-quality' fake €50 notes in circulation.
A number of the fake fifties are believed to have been exchanged in Charleville and Rathmore over the past couple of weeks, according to the Corkman.
Gardaí raided a house in Charleville as part of the investigation into the counterfeit money.
A Garda spokesman told the publication: "Three people, two males and a female, were arrested during the raid and taken to a station in County Tipperary for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the possession and use of forged €50 notes."
He said that they believe there are still more of the fake notes being exchanged in the area, which raises concern that they could circulate further over Christmas.
According to the spokesman, there is only one difference between the fake notes and real ones.
"The only obvious difference in them is the brown rectangle next to the large number 50. In genuine notes this should feel ridged to the touch, but does not on the faked ones."
Gardaí are urging anyone who thinks they have come across one of a phony fifties to report it immediately.
They have also warned locals, businesspeople in particular, to be extra careful when withdrawing large amounts of cash from an ATM.
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