Movie prop money
More than €430,000 of fake 'movie prop money' has been seized in recent months.
Firstly gardaí are warning there's been a significant increase in the amount of these fraudulent notes in circulation.
In the past number of months, movie prop money representing a value of €430,895 has been detected by Revenue Officers.
Gardaí are now warning businesses and anyone who deals in cash to be vigilant.
They bear a strong resemblance to genuine notes, but do not have the security features.
They're also usually marked as "movie money" or "prop money".
An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners wish to highlight that there has recently been a significant increase in the detection of novelty Euro notes. These notes are often marked as "movie" or "prop money". More information here https://t.co/oHlGkl9SyG pic.twitter.com/bENlmOiNC0
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 24, 2020
It is an offence to use these notes to buy something, and also carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years.
Gardaí are also advising businesses to report anyone they catch trying to pay with "prop money" to them immediately.
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau says:
"People need to be aware that such notes exist and at busy times."
"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, to work in certain sectors and it can affect their credit rating".
