SHOPPERS have been warned to be on their guard after fake bank notes were reported by traders.
Penrith Business Improvement District issued the warning after two of its members reported counterfeit notes. Two separate fake £20 notes have been reported - the first batch were too thick, with a sweet smell and looking pale and washed out, while the second note has the old design for a £20 on the new polymer notes.
Philippa Bell of the BID said: "We have a network of businesses and a couple of business let me know. You have to be paying attention to notice. People are starting to use cash again.
"Anything like this, we will alert our members. We always let people know in cases like this."
The Bank of England cannot reimburse counterfeit notes. Anyone who gets one should go to the police.
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