Shoppers and revellers in Glasgow have been warned to be on the alert for forged £20 bank notes in the run up to Christmas.
An investigation by The Herald's sister paper the Evening Times has revealed fake bank notes are being used in scam deals in city.
Counterfeit Clydesdale Bank £20 notes have already made their way into circulation and police have vowed to track down those printing and using the dud bills.
Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, who is in charge of policing the city centre, urged customers and shop staff to be "extra vigilant" when checking bank notes.
Fake cash leaves shops with the worthless currency and out of pocket after having given real cash back as change, as well as losing the items the con artists have "bought".
And it is feared the busy festive period will only add to the problem. Shop workers, sales desks, and bar staff are expected to be under "increased pressure" in the run up to Christmas and New Year, making it more likely for fake notes to be accepted.
Mr Sutherland, Policce Scotland area commander for Glasgow city centre, said: "While we have not seen a notable rise in the number of counterfeit notes being used across Glasgow, I would always urge everyone to be vigilant and to check any notes that they have been given.
"I would remind people that it is an offence to knowingly use a counterfeit note in exchange for goods or services.
"If anyone finds a note that they suspect to be counterfeit then please hand it in to a police station."
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