Ipswich taxi drivers report rise in fake banknote paymentshttps://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/2666 ... -payments/
All images: Dan Laughlan/Newsquest/Ipswich StarIpswich taxi drivers have been left feeling angered and worried after a recent rise in customers paying with fake banknotes leaving them out of pocket.Mo Ali, an Ipswich taxi driver, said the problem had increased in recent weeks and has left drivers concerned about providing for their families.
He explains that customers have been seen with bags full of counterfeit notes and fears the issue stretches throughout the turn hurting all types of businesses.
Mr Ali said: “A lot of our taxi drivers have been hit.
"By the time you check it, you realise you’ve been done, by which time it’s too late.
“It's difficult to identify, especially when you're working at a stressful night.”
He said passengers could be of any age and sometimes appeared to rush the payment.
Some told drivers they had no other money, leaving the driver to absorb the loss.
Mr Ali said: “Normally it happens at night.”
He said the issue was more difficult during busy periods, including rainy evenings and football matches, when taxis were in demand. He also said some drivers had cameras in their vehicles which could provide evidence.
Another taxi driver explained he caught someone trying to pay with a fake note and when confronted the individual had 'loads' of other counterfeit money in his hand.
Mr Ali said: "A lot of us have got families to look after, costs to pay, and if we’re taking hits, then obviously that puts pressure on us.
"We mostly accept card payments, but cash is quite good, because we have a delay before card payments go to our account.”
He said fake £10 and £20 notes could remain in circulation if drivers handed them to customers or businesses.
Banks and police would destroy the notes, but he said those responsible could continue passing them on.
Mr Ali said: “If you don’t catch these criminals, they’re going to carry on doing this and people are going to get hit.
"And it will be the ordinary innocent people who get hit.”
He said drivers wanted the police and council to work with them to prosecute those using counterfeit cash.
Suffolk Police urged anyone who believes they have been given a fake bank note to report it to them.
A spokesperson said: "Anyone who suspects they have received a counterfeit note should avoid passing it on, retain it where appropriate, and report the circumstances to police via 101 or online.
"If a crime is in progress, or there is an immediate opportunity to identify or locate a suspect, they should call 999. Information about checking banknotes and identifying counterfeit currency is available from the Bank of England website."
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