Posted on the 5th November 2026 in PHTM News
COUNTERFEIT CASH SURGE LEAVES IPSWICH CABBIES OUT OF POCKET
Taxi drivers across Ipswich are growing increasingly angry and anxious following a sudden rise in passengers paying with fake banknotes.
Mo Ali, a local cabbie, revealed that the problem has escalated sharply in recent weeks, warning that passengers have been spotted carrying bags packed with counterfeit notes. He fears the fraud extends far beyond taxis, damaging businesses across the town.
The scams predominantly occur during stressful night shifts or peak periods, such as rainy evenings and busy football matches, when drivers are rushed and under pressure.
Passengers of all ages are using the fake cash, with some claiming to have no other funds, forcing cabbies to absorb the financial loss entirely.
"A lot of our taxi drivers have been hit," Mr Ali said. "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."
Another driver reported catching a customer attempting to pay with a fake note, only to discover the individual was holding "loads" of other forged bills.
Drivers often prefer cash to card payments due to delays in receiving digital funds, but passing on fake £10 and £20 notes risks keeping forged currency circulating throughout the community. "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," Mr Ali explained, calling on Suffolk Police and Ipswich Borough Council to work directly with drivers to prosecute offenders.
"If you don’t catch these criminals, they’re going to carry on doing this ordinary innocent people will get hit." Some drivers are now relying on in-vehicle cameras to capture evidence for investigators.
Suffolk Police have urged anyone handed a suspected fake banknote to report it immediately rather than trying to spend it.
A police spokesperson advised victims to retain the note if safe to do so and report the details via 101 or online, or to dial 999 if a crime is actively in progress. The force also directed members of the public to the Bank of England website for guidance on verifying authentic currency.
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