Warning to Hartlepool businesses as police receive reports of counterfeit banknotes.

Police in Hartlepool are asking local businesses to be aware of recent reports of people using counterfeit £20 notes.

Since 2^nd April there have been three instances, with the most recent being reported as taking place yesterday.  It is mostly affecting smaller businesses such as newsagents and convenience stores.

Please see the link below for advice from Action Fraud if you’ve been affected:

Counterfeit currency: What to do if you receive counterfeit notes or coins and where to report | Action Fraud

Or, read the below advice from the website:

What to do if you receive counterfeit currency

• If the notes have been passed and the suspect is not present, this should be reported via 101, by attending your local police station or online depending on the force area.
• If the suspect is present at the location or still nearby, consideration should be given to contacting the police on 999.
• Counterfeit notes should be retained and provided to the police as evidence, ideally inside a plastic wallet or paper envelope to preserve potential fingerprints.
• If there is CCTV footage of the suspect available, this should be downloaded and provided to the police together with the counterfeit notes or coins.