Sinn Féin Councillor Tony Hassan has warned small businesses and residents in the Shantallow area and throughout the city to be on their guard against counterfeit currency, in particular £20 notes which have been circulating over the last 48 hours.
Councillor Hassan said “I have been contacted by a number of small businesses in the locality who have been caught with counterfeit money in the last 48 hours.
“They have told me it is has been with £20 Bank of England notes and said that they are of very good quality.
“They asked me to put a warning out through Derry Daily to prevent other businesses and members of the public getting caught out.
“Many small businesses are working on very tight margins so the loss of even £40 -£60 in one day is a big hit.”
SDLP Derry City Councillor Brian Tierney has also urged Derry businesses to be vigilant after local traders were passed counterfeit cash.
Retailers in the Galliagh area have reported being passed counterfeit £10 and £20 notes in recent days.
Councillor Tierney said: “I have been made aware of counterfeit notes being passed to at least two local shops in the area in the last number of days. One trader was actually passed £30 in fake notes in a single sale. The trader told me the men who passed the notes had a lengthy conversation with him in an effort to distract him.
“They are counterfeit Bank of England £20 and £10 notes and look exactly like the real thing. I would encourage all business owners and staff to be vigilant and make sure that they check all notes passed by customers.
“Times are hard enough for all of our local businesses and this fraudulent behaviour can be very financially damaging. I would encourage everyone to be on their guard and not to let these people get away with this. Anyone with information on those passing these fake notes should contact the PSNI immediately,” he added.
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