POLICE have issued a warning about counterfeit banknotes being used near Glasgow.

The force said there has been a number of incidents where fake cash has been used for buying items in West Dunbartonshire. 

Officers are aware of incidents in Dumbarton High Street, Alexandria, and Balloch. 

The force added that over the last month, they have had eight separate reports of counterfeit £20 notes being used in those areas.

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A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We would ask that retailers are extra vigilant when accepting cash payment.

"We recommend three simple ways of checking if a note is counterfeit - check the paper and print quality of notes, look for the metallic security thread and 
check the watermark

"If anyone suspects they have been passed counterfeit money, then they should contact the police by calling 101 or in an emergency by calling 999.

"It is a criminal offence to hold or pass a note that you know to be counterfeit."