Police have warned Inverness residents to remain vigilant after a flood of incidents involving counterfeit banknotes were reported in the area.
Officers are alerting the public, particularly those who are employed in shops or regularly handle cash, to be aware of the fraudulent cash.
The counterfeit money has also been reported in Nairn in recent days, as well as several locations in the Inverness area.
Detective Inspector Richard Baird said: “We have received a number of reports of counterfeit banknotes being used in the Inverness and Nairn areas in recent days.
“These include First Trust Bank £50 notes which bear the serial number AA294395. These are being tendered for low cost items in shops in the Highlands and later being found to be counterfeit currency.”
“We are advising those members of the public who are dealing with cash sales to bear this in mind and check high value banknotes before giving change.
“Anyone who deliberately uses counterfeit currency is committing crime and we will investigate all instances reported to us”.
All reported incidents so far have involved men of different descriptions but police believe the incidents may be linked.
Anyone who has any information about those using the counterfeit banknotes or wishes to report having received one should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.