ANYONE HEADING NORTH for some Christmas bargains might want to be extra careful what they put in their wallet – after several reports of fake banknotes.

Shoppers in several towns surrounding Belfast have been warned to check £50 notes carefully before accepting them, the Press Association reports.

The PSNI said they had received reports of fake notes circulating in Moira in Co Down, and Crumlin and Carrickfergus in Co Antrim.

According to UTV, a PSNI spokesperson said: “It is a criminal offence to try to pass or keep a banknote that you either know or suspect to be counterfeit. If you inadvertently receive a note that you believe to be counterfeit, you should take it to the nearest police station.”

The news comes as town centres across the North as well as the Republic were expecting their biggest sales of the year, as Christmas shoppers race to finish their present-buying on the last weekend before the holidays.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More