PEOPLE are being urged to be on the lookout for fake bank notes.

The counterfeit Bank of Ireland £50 notes, that are green in colour, are of an old design and do not feature a hologram.

Hampshire Police say people should only accept the new style purple £50 note.

All genuine sterling notes feature a watermark and the name of the bank in raised print and each note has an individual serial number.

Businesses are being urged to check the following security features:

1.Watermark – Head of Medusa (this can be seen when the note is held up to the light)

2.Hologram – this changes between BOI Log (‘chevrons’) and denomination-50

3.Security thread a series of dashes which become a solid line. This can be seen when the note is held up to the light.

4.Raised print – name of Bank

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “If anyone passes or attempts to pass you the old style green £50 note, this should be declined and consideration given to contacting the police.”

Information about the security features in Bank of Ireland notes can be found at https://www.bankofirelanduk.com/help-and-support/bank-notes/current-notes/ ?

If you have information about people making or using counterfeit bank notes, please contact your local police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.