Singapore – On June 23 (Sunday), a woman was arrested for using fake S$50 notes as payment to retail and convenience stores in Hougang and Tampines housing estates.
At about 9 am on Sunday, the police arrested a 30-year-old woman along Hougang Avenue 2 for possessing and using counterfeit bills.
According to the police, the woman made the fake notes herself.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman is believed to have printed several pieces of S$50 notes with her own printer and used the counterfeit S$50 notes on at least 10 occasions to purchase items of low value,” said the police who added that they have received multiple reports relating to the incident between June 16 and 20.
“Two pieces of S$50 notes, which are believed to be counterfeits, a printer, printing paper, stationery, apparel, an EZ-link card, cash amounting to more than S$1,200 and two handbags were seized as case exhibits,” the police revealed.
The woman is also suspected to be involved in a theft in a dwelling case reported in February.
She will be charged in court on June 24 (Monday) for the counterfeit bills.
Fake notes in circulation
On June 11 (Tuesday), the Singapore Police Force released a warning concerning counterfeit currency that was found to be in circulation and has been used in convenience stores, restaurants, and retail outlets from March through May of this year.
Three men, aged between 25 and 29, were arrested and charged with counterfeit currency notes related offences between May 25 and June 4.
The police added the list of serial numbers used in the fake S$50 bills and advised the public to be wary of these counterfeit notes.
Read related: Police warn public of fake S$100 and S$50 portrait series notes
If you suspect that you have received counterfeit currency notes, below are some steps to follow, according to the police:
– Report the incident to the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre
– Delay the person(s) who presented the suspected counterfeit note, if possible
– Call ‘999’ immediately and alert the police of the suspect
– Take note of the suspect’s gender, race, age, height, built, clothing, tattoo and language/dialect spoken
– Note the description and registration number of the vehicle used, if possible
– Place the suspected counterfeit note in a protective covering such as an envelope and limit the handling of the exhibit to prevent further tampering
Anyone convicted of using genuine counterfeit currency notes could be jailed up to 20 years and fined, reminded the police. Those found in possession of counterfeit currency notes could be punished with imprisonment up to 15 years.
Members of the public are advised to call 1800-255 0000 if they have any information relating to the cases above or dial 999 if urgent police assistance is required.
Information can also be submitted online via http://www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. -/TISG