Honestly I think staff just need to be better trained on counterfeit cash. Like I said, there are some VERY RARE decent counterfeit paper English 20's that go around but they are only convincing when they're brand new, and they don't pass the rub test.
The vast majority of fake notes should be easy to spot instantly. Paper notes, they'll either feel "too dry" because they're just normal paper and not the "special blend" used for notes - OR if someone has tried to fake the appearance of a real note, they'll feel waxy.
The new polymer ones honestly don't even think about it. If it looks and feels anything like a real banknote, it is one. The fakes are hilarious and feel like polythene bags.
My favourites are when people have put in a hit of extra effort; like making a tiny transparent window out of clingfilm or clear tape. My all time craftsmanship award goes to one where someone had actually made the hologram on a £20 out of tinfoil coloured in with felt tip pens
. You could hear it crinkling!
Top excuse I've had was for someone trying to pass off a paper £10 note that was made out of printed tissue paper... Saying that "it had accidentally gone through the wash in his pocket" and that's why it felt so flimsy.
