Police warn against fake currency

THE Namibian Police are warning the public against counterfeit banknotes following the discovery of a fake N$50 note this week.

According to Warrant Officer Theophilus Willem of NamPol’s public relations department, the fake N$50 note was tendered by an unknown person who bought a N$50 Tango cellphone recharge voucher.The note was later discovered by the salesperson, who immediately took it to the Police station. The Police warn that there may be more fake notes in circulation.This is the first discovery of counterfeit money in Windhoek this year, but reports earlier this year indicated the circulation of fake currency in Oshakati. Late last year, a counterfeit N$100 note was reported in Swakopmund.’We are asking for the assistance of the public to report this matter to the Police if they find any fake dollar notes, or find a person in possession of false currency; not only in Namibian dollars, but other currencies as well, especially rands and US dollars,’ said Willem.He pointed out that false banknotes do not have a watermark (which can be seen when the note is held up to the light), the texture of the paper is different from real currency and the metallic security strip that runs down the note is missing or drawn onto the note.People who come across fake currency should report it to the nearest Police station.nangula@namibian.com.na