The Banknote Checking Scheme for retailers and businesses

Overview

Counterfeit banknotes are only produced because criminals believe they will find somewhere to spend them and can do so without consequence. The Bank of England wants to support retailers and businesses by providing the tools and information you need to increase the resilience of your front line in the fight against counterfeiters.

Don’t let counterfeit banknotes be a cost to your business, your customers or your reputation. Any business can sign up as a supporter of the Banknote Checking Scheme. Supporters will have access to advice and a range of education and training materials to help shape banknote checking within their business. This includes leaflets, posters, online computer-based training, targeted advice and regular webinars as well as updates on relevant banknote topics such as the issue of new-style banknotes and withdrawal of old-style banknotes.

Sign up

• What do I do if i get a counterfeit? (PDF)

In exchange, retailers and other businesses pledge support to a set of six guiding principles on an annual basis to encourage increased banknote checking at point of sale in a way that suits their business model.

Strategic partners

The Scheme is the first of its type in the UK and is a collaboration between the Bank of England and the Scheme’s strategic partners. These are the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), Best Bar None, The BID Foundation, British Retail Consortium (BRC), The Charity Retail Association, Crimestoppers, National Crime Agency (NCA), National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), The National Pawnbroker’s Association (NPA), National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC),  National Pubwatch, Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) and Retailers Against Crime.

The businesses listed in the PDF below are just some of those who have already pledged their support to the six guiding principles of the Banknote Checking Scheme.

• Banknote Checking Scheme supporters (PDF)

The Scheme provides support in relation to Bank of England banknotes. If you require information about Scottish and Northern Ireland Banknotes please contact the Association of Commercial Banknote Issuers (ACBI).

Pledge your support for the Banknote Checking Scheme

Retailers and businesses can find out more about the Scheme and how your business can support the fight against counterfeiting in the Banknote Checking Scheme Brochure.

• The Banknote Checking Scheme brochure (PDF)

For more information, or if you are interested in registering your support for the scheme, please get in touch:

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3461 7730
Email: banknotecheckingscheme@bankofengland.co.uk

Sign up