While purchasing counterfeit currency can sound tempting, the consequences if caught are extremely serious. In fact, those found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison.

Fraud solicitors

At Ashmans Solicitors, our fraud solicitors offer expert legal representation to those who have been accused of making, selling and using counterfeit currency. If you want to speak to our fraud solicitors, contact us for a free initial enquiry. You can call us on 0333 009 6275. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email us on enquiries@ashmanssolicitors.com or complete our Free Online Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch soon with our Solicitors Dewsbury.

Counterfeit currency and crime

Counterfeit currency is when imitation notes and coins are produced and used like state produced currency. The price of this ‘money’ varies but can drop to as low as 25% of the face value. Combatting counterfeit currency is an ongoing battle in the UK. Often, imitation currency is extremely convincing and has been created using expensive print technology.

This makes it difficult for the ordinary person to differentiate between what is real and what is fake. Every year, state currency producers spend millions on new security measures, hoping to expel counterfeit currency from the market. Yet still, the problem persists. This shows just how sophisticated the world of counterfeit currency can be. Police say this is because counterfeit currency is produced by organised criminal gangs with significant assets at their disposal. It is thought this fake money is then used to fund other illegal activities, such as drug smuggling, weapons dealing and trafficking. The circulation of counterfeit currency also damages the economy.

Penalties if found guilty

Because of the potential harm counterfeit currency can have, the penalties associated with the creation and use of fake money are high. It is hoped this will act as a deterrent to others. Those guilty of using counterfeit money almost always face a spell in prison, even if they are found with just a single note or coin. In one case where a single £50 note was passed, a six month prison sentence was handed out. In another, a man was found guilty of passing three counterfeit £20 notes, with another three in his possession. He was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. Those guilty of producing counterfeit notes or coins face even harsher sentences. The maximum punishment for tendering counterfeit currency is 10 years imprisonment. The court may also make a preventative order.

How our fraud solicitors can help

If you have been accused of making, buying, selling or using counterfeit currency, then you should know that these are serious allegations. It is in your best interests to instruct an experienced team of fraud solicitors to act on your behalf. At Ashman Solicitors, our fraud solicitors can formulate a defence, working in your interests to minimise the potential penalties. If you want to know more about how we can help, contact us now for a free initial enquiry.

You can call us on 0333 009 6275. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also email us on enquiries@ashmanssolicitors.com or complete our Free Online Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch soon.