Police are urging the public to pay close attention to their currency after three counterfeit bills were detected in the money supply during the past week.

Over the weekend, a fake American $20 bill with the serial number BF56979849D and a bogus Bermudian $50 note bearing serial number C/1 697553 were turned over to Police.

And a counterfeit Bermudian $100 note (serial number C/1 535028) was passed at a St. David's business last week.

Yesterday, Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said it is important to pay attention to the serial numbers - particularly on local counterfeit notes as they may re-appear on other sham bills.

Police also advise that Bermudian currency should be held up to a light in order to check for the tuna fish watermark.

Businesses are advised to invest in ultraviolet lights which expose the different watermarks on true currency.

"People using counterfeit currency usually target businesses when they are busiest and till operators have the least time to check," Mr. Caines said yesterday on Monday.

"They also target dimly lit businesses such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs where it becomes hard to detect false notes."

Counterfeiters may also try to mix bogus notes with valid notes when making payments.

Mr. Caines said Police were concerned about a spate of counterfeit activity prior to Christmas but it then fell dormant until last week.

"Members of the public must note that there is no reimbursement for any fake money that is received," Mr. Caines said. "Before you give change or complete a monetary transaction, ensure the notes are real."