Fraud Red Flag
Counterfeit currency at handover
Payment in counterfeit Bank of England notes presented for high-value vehicles, often under time pressure at the seller's address.
The current polymer £20 and £50 notes carry layered security features — a clear polymer window with a coloured foil image, a holographic strip and micro-lettering. Counterfeit attempts are usually evident under reasonable inspection but slip past a quick count in poor light.
Sellers of high-value vehicles should require electronic payment with confirmed receipt to a named UK account, and verify cleared funds before releasing the V5C or keys. Faster Payment is usually instant; CHAPS and BACS settle on different timescales.