Gardaí are warning businesses owners and the public to be on alert for novelty Euro notes.
There has been a sharp rise in the detection of the fake notes, which are created for use as props in films.
But fraudsters have been attempting to use the notes to pay for goods. The crime for tendering such notes carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years.
Gardaí have today issued images of the “movie money” or “prop money”. The notes bear a strong resemblance to genuine Euro notes, however they do not contain the security features.
Novelty Euro ‘movie notes’. Image: An Garda Siochana
Novelty Euro ‘movie notes’. Image: An Garda Siochana
Recent mail centre detections have led to notes representing a value of €430,895 being seized by Revenue Officers.
Gardaí advise businesses and members of the public who deal in cash to be aware that such notes are in circulation and take appropriate precautionary measures. Business owners should ensure staff members handling cash are alerted to watch out for these fraudulent notes.
These fraudulent notes should not be accepted as legal tender and any incidents of persons trying to pay with “prop money” should be reported to Gardaí immediately.
Novelty Euro ‘movie notes’. Image: An Garda Siochana
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has advised that: “People need to be aware that such notes exist and at busy times, especially late at night, they need to exercise a little care and attention. These notes are easily identifiable if precautionary checks are made.
“Also people who try to tender such notes as real face prosecution, a possible prison sentence and a conviction, which is for life. Such convictions have serious ramifications if one wanted to travel, to work in certain sectors and it can affect their credit rating.”
The use of fraudulent currency when trying to purchase goods or services is an offence under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years.
