A couple tried to convert a fake bank note into change by buying one of the cheapest drinks (but not the cheapest) from the display fridge. The woman was a little quiet and before she could even get the crisp fake bank note out, the guy was five times her volume trying flattery about the bakery case - "WOW. Did you bake these yourself? ". Clocked it. Distraction technique...

(I mean, they spoke to each other and was an obvious couple, so it wasn't another customer being rude, and it made no sense for one person to be that enthusiastic with the other desperately trying not to turn her head to look at him and buying just the one drink)

The handed over £10 King Charles bank note was a clear fake with zero wear-and-tear. It wasn't the case where the couple were a victim to receiving the fake bank note as change in an earlier transaction at a shop. They deliberately acquired it with intent to use it. Which was evident when I advised them the bank note is fake and I will be confiscating it. The women tried to compose herself by asking to try card, with a payment which failed due to the card being invalid. It wouldn't surprise me if it was someone else's card that had since been cancelled or frozen.

I did expect some resistance - like you would if you gave a shop worker £10 and they claimed it was fake when you thought it was genuine, you'd assume it was stolen by them and be angry about it - but the guy adjusted his volume down to hers, and they both claimed it is real, wanted a receipt of proof (what the hell? I certify that this bank note is fake) and without being asked about the source, he said it was from the bookies. Nah, don't think so. They both made a very quick exit...

Starbucks is overpriced but you don't have to buy. Committing fraud using fake bank notes is not the way to go. If you cannot afford it, don't buy and go somewhere cheaper for the same or similar item... or go without. In this case, it wasn't someone cheekily saving money on a Starbucks fix by buying fake bank notes at a fraction of the supposed face value but buying anything to convert fake money into real money, which I'm guessing is a bigger crime!

Top Tip: It is not a life hack if you could be doing jail time for using it.