Police are urging local businesses and the community to stay alert after a number of counterfeit banknotes were discovered in circulation in NSW.

Where the Notes Have Appeared

Fake fifty and one-hundred-dollar bills have been handed to businesses in several towns, including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone, Singleton, and surrounding areas. More than $2,600 in counterfeit cash has already been collected by police, and investigations are continuing to identify those responsible.

What Retailers Should Look Out For

Detectives are reminding business owners to check cash carefully before accepting it, particularly during busy trading periods. Some of the key ways to identify counterfeit money include:

Feel the material: Genuine Australian notes are made from a distinctive plastic polymer that feels smooth and slightly waxy, and is not easy to tear.
Check for suspicious wording: Counterfeit notes sometimes have markings like “prop” or “specimen,” which are clear giveaways.
Use the light test: When held to the light, real notes display the Australian Coat of Arms to the left of the clear window.
Look for raised print: Genuine notes have slightly raised ink, especially on the main design and denomination.
Spot the seven-pointed star: Each real note has a small star made up of two halves that align perfectly when held up to the light.
Compare the background: Check for clean, sharp printing. Counterfeit notes often appear smudged or blurry.
Inspect the clear window: The $50 note should show the Southern Cross and the $100 note should display a lyrebird.
Use a UV light: Real notes show their serial numbers under ultraviolet light.

Stay Aware

With cash transactions still common in many regional businesses, counterfeit money can easily enter circulation if staff aren’t paying attention. Accepting fake currency can leave businesses out of pocket, as banks will not reimburse counterfeit notes.

Business owners are encouraged to train staff to check notes carefully and report any suspicious currency to local police as soon as possible.

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