Bank of England – Banknote Checking Scheme

Counterfeit notes are rare, but it pays to be careful as they are worthless.

Counterfeiters target businesses where they know that banknotes aren’t being checked properly. People trying to use counterfeit banknotes will often try to buy a low-value item using a high-value note such as a £20 note. This is so that they can get away with your stock and money from your till.

To help prevent this happening to you, the Bank of England are running the Banknote Checking Scheme, a free scheme to help support retail and hospitality businesses to spot counterfeit bank notes, and prevent being targeted by counterfeiters in the future. As a supporter of the scheme, you will:

• receive a welcome pack containing all of their staff training materials on banknote checking and what to do with a counterfeit note
• get a regular newsletter updating you on best practice and counterfeit news
• be the first to hear about other important banknote developments such as the withdrawal of old notes
• have a point of contact at the Bank of England for any banknote enquiries
• help them to ensure the scheme continues to provide the right support to businesses

To find out more about how you and your business can protect yourselves from counterfeiters, and access training materials directly, use the link below.