FORGERY fraudsters are palming off wads of fake US dollars in Glasgow.

 

The high-quality forgeries are extremely convincing and crooks have already managed to swindle thousands of pounds with the rogue notes.

Police today issued a warning to city businesses as they investigate incidents involving fake US dollars at shops and post offices in Bishopbriggs, Pollok, Springburn and Glasgow city centre.

The $100 notes are so realistic that almost £5000 (POUNDS) worth was accepted at a Bishopbriggs travel agents.

Two fraudsters exchanged $7000 into sterling at a travel agents in the town's Triangle on Monday.

It was the next day before staff realised they had been swindled by the two men and given dud notes.

Just hours later, an incident occurred at a travel agents in Silverburn shopping centre, when a teenager tried to exchange US dollars for UK pounds.

The 18-year-old male was arrested in connection with the incident and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

On Tuesday, a man was stopped in the city centre and found to be in possession of counterfeit US dollar bills.

Police said investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a suspected fraudster tried to exchange more than $4000 into sterling at a post office in Springburn.

However, eagle-eyed staff became suspicious and alerted police.

Detective Constable John Quinn said: "We are issuing this warning as we don't want anyone else to get caught out.

"The notes being offered for exchange are in the $100 denomination.

"We're asking staff at currency exchange outlets and locations to be especially vigilant and report any suspicions they may have to police.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries in respect of the above incidents but want to warn business owners to be on their guard."

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage from each store in a bid to identify the suspects.

Genuine US bank notes have a "clear and unbroken" border, which is difficult to replicate.

Often, bleeding ink on the border is a sign of a counterfeit note.

Each note also has an individual serial number and fluorescent features, which show up when they are exposed to ultraviolet light.

US dollars are printed on special paper, which means the metallic security thread should 'glow' a certain colour.

The $100 bill should 'glow' pink.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, anyone with any information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.