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Media


 
Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

Media Relations Dept.
Police Headquarters
P.O. Box HM 530
Tel: (441) 299-4249/4291/4321
Fax: (441) 299-4322
E-mail: Police Media Relations


 
Date:Friday, September 23,2011
Distribution: All Media

Counterfeit Currency Advisory

The Bermuda Police Service Financial Crime Unit is continuing to advise the public to remain vigilant regarding counterfeit currency. The counterfeit Bermuda $100 notes [shown bottom right, click photo to enlarge] currently making the rounds are the older notes – not the new ones. Merchants are reminded to ensure their employees are aware of the importance of taking a few seconds to examine the money they are taking in, especially the larger denominations. Please check all currency for common security features which include:

  • Metallic security thread
  • Watermarks
  • Paper quality

In order to distinguish a genuine Bermuda note from a fake one, look for the tuna fish watermark (to the left of the note), the silver foil strip (just right of the tuna fish watermark) and the silver ship (to the right of the note).

Also, check to see if the ink 'runs.' Most counterfeit in circulation is being generated on ink jet printers, and the ink will 'run' [shown bottom right, click photo to enlarge] if it gets wet. Genuine currency will not do this.

Some fake U.S. cash is also being passed at local establishments.

The public is reminded that it is a criminal offence to:

  • pass to another
  • possess
  • make
  • reproduce

any counterfeit currency, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.


All incidents are under investigation. Police are appealing to members of the public who have witnessed these incidents or may have information pertaining to them to contact their respective Police Station, Police Headquarters at 295-0011 or the confidential Crimestoppers Hotline on 1 (800) 623-8477.

Public & Media Relations Department