A Circulation Of ‘Fake Money’ Is Going Around Ireland Right Now And They Could Be In Your Pocket

Members of the public and retailers are being warned about counterfeit notes which are spreading across the country at the moment.

The counties worst affected right now are Leitrim and Donegal but it is suspected that the notes could be circulating nationwide.

The Leitrim Observer received reports of counterfeit €20 notes in circulation in recent days and although they seem fairly legit, they do have some faults to keep a look out for.

They are quite detailed but lack the security thread running through the middle of the note.

This thread can be seen clearly when real notes are held up to the light.

As well as this, the print quality of the notes is not as clear on the fake notes and other security watermarks are missing.

When a similar event took place early in 2017 with €50 notes, Gardaí told people to be vigilant and to check out for some signs of a fake note.

"Obvious security features should be identified before accepting notes.

"These include; checking for the watermark, security thread, hologram patch and raised print. The value numeral on the old style €50 euro note will also change colour from purple to olive green or brown when tilted if the note is a genuine.

"By taking a few seconds to feel, examine and tilt euro notes, fraudsters can be prevented from passing off their fakes as the real thing."

The Central Bank Of Ireland has also devoted a page on their website to fraudulent notes and what to look out for which is also worth a look if you're ever unsure about money in your possession.

Don't get caught out.