Gardaí and the Revenue Commissioners have warned of a significant increase in the detection of novelty Euro notes, marked as ‘movie’ or ‘prop’ money.
While they bear a strong resemblance to genuine Euro notes, they do not contain the security features. Revenue Officers have seized notes in varying denominations representing a value of €430,895 in recent mail centre detections.
Gardaí are advising businesses and members of the public who deal in cash to be aware that such notes are in circulation and to take appropriate precautionary measures. Business owners should ensure staff members handling cash are alerted to watch out for these fraudulent notes.
The use of fraudulent currency when trying to purchase goods or services is an offence under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years.
Gardaí says that these fraudulent notes should not be accepted as legal tender and any incidents of persons trying to pay with ‘prop money’ should be reported to them immediately.
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan, of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, stated: "People need to be aware that such notes exist and at busy times, especially late at night, they need to exercise a little care and attention. These notes are easily identifiable if precautionary checks are made.
“Also, people who try to tender such notes as real face prosecution, a possible prison sentence and a conviction, which is for life. Such convictions have serious ramifications if one wanted to travel or work in certain sectors and it can affect their credit rating.”