Bacta Issues Fraud Warning to Operators Following Circulation of Counterfeit £20 Notes

Bacta has issued guidance to operators after receiving advice from the National Crime Agency regarding counterfeit Bank of England £20 notes currently in circulation.

The alert is aimed at helping operators to quickly identify fraudulent notes and reduce the risk of financial loss.

According to the guidance, genuine polymer £20 notes include several clear security features that should be checked as part of routine cash handling procedures.

On the front of the note, operators are advised to:

Tilt the hologram in the lower foil area and check that the wording changes between “Twenty” and “Pounds”. On counterfeit notes, the wording does not change.
Examine the see-through windows, ensuring the metallic image appears blue and gold on the front, and silver on the reverse, with distinctive radiating ring patterns.
 

On the rear of the note, checks should include:

A round purple foil patch containing the letter “T”, positioned directly behind the silver crown on the front of the note.
 

In addition, genuine Bank of England notes feature raised print across the words “Bank of England” at the top of the note, which can be felt by touch. Counterfeit notes typically lack this tactile detail.

The National Crime Agency highlighted that this hologram feature applies across all Bank of England polymer denominations. Genuine notes will always “say what they are” when tilted:

£20: Twenty changes to Pounds
£10: Ten changes to Pounds
£5: Five changes to Pounds
£50: Fifty changes to Pounds
 

On counterfeit notes, the wording remains fixed and does not change.

Bacta is encouraging all operators to brief staff on these checks and remain vigilant, particularly during busy trading periods. The association noted that awareness and simple visual and tactile checks remain one of the most effective ways to prevent counterfeit notes entering circulation within venues.

For full details download the advice sheet below

Download file

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22 January 2026

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