This escalating issue, particularly affecting private transactions conducted online, highlights the critical need for individuals to be vigilant when handling cash. This article delves into the methods used by counterfeiters, provides a comprehensive guide to identifying fake notes, and outlines crucial steps to take if you encounter one.

Traditionally, counterfeit money has been a concern primarily for retail environments, where staff are trained to detect fraudulent currency. However, recent reports indicate a worrying trend: private sellers engaging in online transactions are increasingly becoming targets.

Leicestershire Police, for instance, reported over 30 incidents where individuals received fake banknotes after selling items online, often at their homes
. Similar warnings have been issued by Nottinghamshire Police and authorities in Cornwall, where a seller was defrauded of £4,700 for a bicycle using counterfeit cash
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This shift underscores the importance of individual awareness, as the burden of detection now falls more heavily on the general public.

•Holographic Window: Genuine polymer £20 notes feature a large, transparent window with a portrait of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II inside. The value of the note and the words "Bank of England" are printed twice around the edge of this window. The window should be clear and sharply defined, not cloudy or blurred .

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•Tilt the Foil (Hologram Image Change): On the front of the note, there is a silver foil patch with a hologram. When the note is tilted, the words within this hologram should change between "Twenty" and "Pounds" . This image shift should be clean and distinct.

. This image shift should be clean and distinct.
•Raised Print: Authentic banknotes have raised print that can be felt by touch. Specifically, the words "Bank of England" and the numerical value in the bottom right corner should have a textured feel. A completely smooth surface is a strong indicator of a fake .

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•Purple Foil Patch: On the back of the note, directly behind the silver crown on the front, there is a round, purple foil patch containing the letter 'T' .
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•Monarch's Portrait in See-Through Window: A detailed portrait of the monarch is printed on the window, with '£20 Bank of England' printed twice around its edge .
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•Silver Foil Patch (3D Coronation Crown): Above the main see-through window on the front of the note, a silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the coronation crown .
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•Print Quality: Genuine notes exhibit sharp, clear lines and colors, free from smudges or blurred edges. Under magnification, the value of the note can be seen in small letters and numbers below the monarch's portrait .
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•Ultra-violet Number: When viewed under a good quality ultra-violet light, the number '20' should appear in bright red and green on the front of the note, contrasting with a duller background .
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To mitigate the risk of receiving counterfeit currency, consider opting for alternative payment methods, especially for high-value transactions. Bank transfers, for example, create a digital trail, eliminating the risk associated with physical cash
. If cash is unavoidable, always take the time to carefully count and inspect each note before completing the transaction.

The proliferation of counterfeit £20 notes, particularly in private online sales, demands increased public awareness and vigilance. By understanding and checking the security features embedded in genuine banknotes, and by being aware of the proper procedures for handling suspected counterfeits, individuals can protect themselves from financial loss and contribute to curbing this criminal activity.