The Barbados Police Service (BPS) is warning about the circulation of counterfeit United States currency and is urging members of the public and business community to remain vigilant.
It warned that the fake currency is being circulated at a time when commercial activity increases during the ongoing Crop Over Season, the back-to-school shopping period and the upcoming Yuletide Season.
BPS said it is also encouraging locals and tourists to exercise caution when accepting cash and to carefully examine all banknotes before completing transactions.
‘Business owners, cashiers, market vendors, taxi operators and anyone handing cash are reminded to familiarise themselves with the security features and remain alert for notes that appear unusual in texture, colour, print quality or security markings.
‘The public is further advised to carefully inspect all banknotes received during transactions. If you suspect a note is counterfeit, do not attempt to pass it on or return it to circulation,’ the police said, adding that persons should ‘preserve the note, limit handling where possible and immediately contact the nearest police station.
‘Members of the public are reminded that knowingly possessing, uttering, putting off or obtaining counterfeit currency are criminal offences,’ the BPS warned.