A chip shop in Dudley has issued a stark warning after customers attempted to pay for their fish and chips with fake £30 notes, supposedly inspired by a viral TikTok trend. The owner of the popular chippy confirmed that at least six such attempts were made over the past week, all of which were refused.
The Incident
Staff at the unnamed chippy in the heart of Dudley noticed a suspicious pattern when several customers presented £30 notes—a denomination that does not exist in official UK currency. According to the owner, who wished to remain anonymous, the notes were clearly counterfeit, featuring poor-quality printing and misspellings.
Details of the Trend
The trend appears to have originated on TikTok, where users share videos of themselves creating fake paper money and attempting to use it for small purchases. The £30 note is a common prop in these videos, and some participants challenge each other to see how many businesses they can fool. The Dudley chippy is the latest in a series of local businesses targeted across the West Midlands.
Impact on Local Businesses
The owner expressed frustration, noting that the trend wastes staff time and could potentially harm small businesses if they inadvertently accept fake currency. “We don’t accept TikTok money. It’s a nice try, but it’s not real—and it’s illegal,” he said. He added that the chippy has now posted a sign warning customers that all notes are checked and that police have been informed.
Police Involvement
West Midlands Police have been alerted to the incidents. A spokesperson said they are investigating the source of the fake notes and reminded the public that using counterfeit currency is a criminal offence, regardless of whether it is part of a social media challenge. The force urged other businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious payment attempts.
Owner's Message
The owner advised other traders to double-check larger denomination notes and to educate staff on how to spot forgeries. “We love our customers and we’re happy to serve anyone, but please don’t try this. It’s not funny—it could land you in trouble,” he said. The chip shop continues to operate normally, though staff remain on high alert.
Community Reaction
Regular customers have rallied behind the chippy, with many taking to social media to condemn the trend. One local resident called it “a disrespectful prank that harms hardworking people.” Others praised the owner for speaking out and urged schools and parents to discourage participation in such challenges.
The incident highlights the growing problem of TikTok-inspired real-world mischief, which has previously included thefts, vandalism, and now counterfeiting. Business owners across the UK are being advised to stay updated on the latest trends to protect themselves.
