Counterfeit Money (20090106)

Ref no: BME/33/08 6 Jan 2009

391 New Bridge Road #04-14/15 Police Cantonment Complex Blk A Singapore 088762 Tel: 1800-236 9999 Fax: 6226 8438

Dear Community Partners, CRIME ALERT: USE OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY AS MODE OF PAYMENT (FOR YOUR INFORMATION) Police has recently received reports of unknown person using counterfeit money as mode of payment. To date more than 30 cases were reported and as we approach the period of festive sales, we would like to reiterate the importance for being vigilant. Modus Operandi Please take note that the culprit will normally use a fake currency note of S$50/- note (commonly bearing the serial number: 2EY322725) at pubs, restaurants, petrol kiosks, convenient stores and 4D outlets for purchases. The scam can also take in other forms ie culprit may also seek assistance in changing loose notes using counterfeit money, on the pretext of urgent need,. Crime Prevention Measures Public and sole proprietors should remain alert and pay extra attention when customers pay for purchases using higher denominations of cash, e.g. S$50/-. Below are a few measures which can assist public to identify counterfeit notes and prevent you from falling victim to a similar ruse. What to look out for? 1. Counterfeit Notes using serial number: 2EY322725; 2. Poor quality paper that has a waxy surface without the following intaglio: a. No raised printing; b. No shimmering effect on the kinegrams; c. No Security Thread; and 3. Although the counterfeit note simulated the outline of the watermark, but it does not have three-dimensional portrait of the late President Yusof Bin Ishak when examined under light. What you can do when you receive such notes? CRIME PREVENTION - A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

1. When presented with the counterfeit note, do not return the suspected note to the suspect; 2. Delay and keep the suspect at sight and if possible contact the police immediately; 3. Take note of the description of the culprit, eg gender, age, height, built, attire, scars/tattoos, accent of language or any distinct features; 4. Note the suspect(s)’ mode of escape and take down the vehicle registration number if he/they had escaped in a vehicle; 5. Minimize the handling of the note and carefully place it in an envelope/polymer bag and hand it to the Police when they arrive. If you have any information pertaining to the above cases, please do not hesitate to contact Police hotline at 1800 – 255 0000 or dial ‘999’ if urgent police assistance is required.

Yours sincerely,

DSP TAN KIAT HEE COMMANDING OFFICER BUKIT MERAH EAST NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE CENTRE CENTRAL POLICE DIVISION

CRIME PREVENTION - A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY