Fake $100 bills have been found circulating in the East End of the Island, leading Police to issue a warning to the public to be on their guard when they receive a high value Bermudian bank note.

A number of counterfeit notes have come to light in St. George?s in recent days. The fake notes can spotted by paying careful attention to whether or not they have the tuna fish watermark and the silver strip near the centre of the note.

Bermuda Police Service spokesman Robin Simmons said: ?It is some time since we have run into these (fake notes). Counterfeit Bermudian $100 bills have been passed in the St. George?s area and so we are asking the public in general, and in particular those in St. George?s, to keep an eye out for counterfeit money, especially when they are in restaurants, bars and supermarkets when this money can be passed off because people are in a hurry or there is poor lighting.?

The recently uncovered counterfeit notes are reported to be good reproductions but do not have the security features of genuine bank notes. If in doubt, members of the public should hold the note up to the light to see if it contains the tuna fish watermark.

Last year more than $10,000 in fake Bermuda currency was collected by Police, with the public being advised to check the watermark, the Cahow imprint that can only be seen under ultra-violet light and all four ink colours that make up the note design.

Anyone who comes across fake money should contact the Police. More information on counterfeit currency is available on the Police Service website at www.bermudapolice.bm