A flood of fake money in the Inverness area has sparked a warning to businesses and shoppers in the Highlands.
The city centre traders organisation Inverness BID is highlighting discoveries of “high quality” counterfeit £20 Bank of England notes.
While those recovered in the area on Wednesday have imperfections, they are said to pass casual inspection.
Members of the public are being aske3d to be vigilant and make checks when handling banknotes.
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A spokeswoman for Inverness BID said: “Businesses in Inverness and the Highlands are advised to be vigilant following reports of counterfeit Bank of England £20 notes circulating in the area.
One of the fake £20 notes recovered in Inverness.
“These high quality fake notes, with the serial number BB81 275037 closely resemble genuine notes, but lack key security features.
“The counterfeit notes can pass casual inspection but have discrepancies, including a faulty silver foil patch without the hologram image change.
“Stay alert and report any suspicious notes to the police. ”
To verify authenticity, the public and traders are advised to check the security features of the new polymer banknotes.
Further guidance is available at the Bank of England’s website here.
Police Scotland has been asked to comment.