The Bermuda Police Service urges business owners and other members of the public to be alert when conducting transactions in $U.S. notes.

There have been recently confirmed reports of counterfeit $U.S. notes being used by individuals to purchase items at local establishments.

The counterfeit notes detected have been in the following denominations:

U.S. $100 with serial number DB66688803Z

U.S. $50 with serial number PC 07801761A

U.S. $20 with serial number PF847172451

U.S. $10 with serial number GL64739922A

However, it should be noted that the counterfeit currency currently in circulation may not be limited to the serial numbers listed.

Employees are reminded that if counterfeit cash is detected during a transaction, the member of staff receiving the fake money should hold on to it, jot down a description of the individual who tendered it and contact police immediately. Similarly, members of the public should take a few seconds to examine any $U.S. notes they may receive, especially the larger denominations.

Persons who may have unknowingly received counterfeit currency are encouraged to call the main police telephone number 295-0011 at the earliest opportunity, to report the matter.

Alternatively, if you are aware of suspicious circumstances regarding suspected counterfeit currency and wish to report it anonymously, please call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.

It should also be noted, once again, that it is a criminal offence to pass to another, possess, make or reproduce any counterfeit currency; punishable by up to five years in prison – and those caught committing such offences can expect to be prosecuted.