Warning after spate of incidents of counterfeit €50 notes

A Westmeath businessman and county councillor is warning of a rise in the use of fake €50 notes.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke warned the business community and the general public following reported instances of fake €50 notes circulating.

“A number of businesses contacted me in recent days asking me to highlight this worrying development in the Athlone area.

"At least three businesses I know unwittingly accepted fake €50 notes, they included a fastfood outlet, a pharmacy and a convenience store.

“I met with senior gardaí in Athlone and they confirmed to me that a number of businesses have come forward in recent days reporting instances with fake €50 notes.

"The problem is only realised by the business owner when they go to make a lodgement and the bank's technology rejects the fake tender.

“If you believe you are in possession of a suspect counterfeit you are obliged to submit it to your local financial institution, the gardaí, or the Central Bank’s National Analysis Centre.

“I would recommend all businesses handling cash to at the very least use a counterfeit pen at the cash points.

"It is a simple and inexpensive device that is designed to determine if a bill is genuine or counterfeit.

"The pen contains iodine instead of ink which, when drawn over a legitimate bill, will remain amber or brown, the iodine will turn black if the bill is counterfeit.

“Most shops have good systems in place to detect fake notes but scammers also use busy pubs and restaurants - where staff are under pressure and don't have time to check all notes - to pass the counterfeit cash.

“While people should not feel panicked by this, they should pay more attention.”