Fife businesses have been warned to be on their guard against counterfeit currency.
Police said a private hire driver in Glenrothes had reported that a customer used a fake £20 note to pay for a fare on February 16.
Three further fraudulent £20 notes were used to pay for goods at the Booker Cash and Carry in Kirkcaldy over that weekend before similar notes were used at the Shell filling station in the town on Tuesday.
Officers received two more reports on Wednesday after a man attempted to buy goods using fake £50 notes at both the Sainsbury’s filling station and Next store at the Fife Central Retail Park in Kirkcaldy.
Inquiries are ongoing to establish whether all of the offences are linked and staff have been urged to be vigilant.
Sergeant Chris Mutter said: “While many of these notes can appear genuine at first glance, if they are appropriately scrutinised or tested they will be confirmed as fraudulent and counter staff should be mindful of inspecting currency thoroughly before accepting it.
“Any customers who come in and try to use counterfeit currency to purchase goods should be reported to police immediately and where possible staff should try to retain the notes so they can be analysed during our inquiries.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
