Fake $50 notes

Hawkers have fallen prey to fake S$50 notes surfacing in Boon Lay Market and Food Centre. The hawkers, who sell drinks, food and vegetables have lost S$300 as a result of the fake notes. According to the hawkers, the culprits will turn up alone when they are busy serving customers at their stalls. Police said they were 72 such cases reported from 2006 till the first half of last year. I feel that the reason the hawkers did not notice the notes at first was because they couldn't tell the difference between a fake and real note. This despicable way of obtaining money is really indescribable. This is no different from stealing money. I really sympathise the hawkers as their hard-earned money are gone just like that. It is really difficult to make a profit already due to the rising cost of rent. However, according to a STOMPer who received a letter ostensibly from the Police, warning about fake $50 notes being used locally, "The culprit uses a fake S$50 notes, commonly bearing a serial number 2EY322725 at pubs, restaurants, petrol kiosks, convenient stores and 4D outlets for purchases." Thus, I hope that people can spread the message as that would result in less people getting conned. All in all, hawkers also have to play their part and be vigilant.