Know your Scottish Polymer ?50 notes - Information for Retailers

Posted on 11 Jan 2022

As a consequence of the introduction of the Polymer series of Scottish Bank notes to replace the older paper series of issued notes the levels (quantities) of counterfeit Scottish Bank notes in circulation has been significantly reduced.

However, counterfeit Polymer Bank of Scotland £50 notes are now being seen in circulation. At present the passing of these counterfeit Scottish £50 notes seem to be occurring principally in England, with some now being seen in Northern Ireland.

In order to assist Retailers in determining whether the Polymer Scottish £50 notes they receive as payment are genuine, the ACBI following consultation with the UKNCO have produced the document Know your Scottish Polymer £50 notes.

This document highlights the key significant features in the two notes: Colour Changing Ink (BoS only), Window(s), Holographic Foil and Raised print (name of Bank). The counterfeit notes can be readily recognised by checking four features when the notes are passed to you or during subsequent checks. It is however important that you do not focus on just one security feature.

The passing (or tendering) of counterfeit currency is a crime and should be reported to your Local Police and Not Action Fraud. The Police will require the counterfeit note(s) together with any other relevant evidence / information for example: CCTV of suspects, details of vehicle they were using etc.

The Scottish Issuers have confirmed that both the paper £20 & £50 notes will be removed from circulation on 30th SEPTEMBER 2022.

Know your Scottish Polymer £50 notes - Information for Retailers