Australians are being warned to keep an eye out for counterfeit money circulating around the country, after a number of fake banknotes were handed in to police.
Counterfeit $50 notes were handed in to police by a local business in Darwin last week.
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The notes had a paper texture and the security window showed visible defects, having been glued on.
As a result police are urging the community to be vigilant of counterfeit money being distributed.
Anyone who has received counterfeit money is asked to immediately contact the authorities.
The Northern Territory discovery comes after two separate incidents of counterfeit currency were reported in Queensland earlier this year.
It was reported that counterfeit notes, particularly $100 notes, were circulating in the Bundaberg area.
Some of the banknotes reportedly had printed text on them, reading: “This is not legal tender. It’s used for motion prop. Prank Use Only.”
Later that same month, police warned of a counterfeit money scam being peddled across the Logan area.
A man claimed to have a cash-duplicating machine that produced legitimate money, but contained photocopies of cash instead.
Late last year, a Sydney business reported being handed counterfeit money by a student who asked him to swap four counterfeit $50 notes for two legitimate $100 notes.
There are a number of ways to check if a banknote seems real or fake, Queensland Police said.
Counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared to a genuine banknote.
Legitimate currency should also have the Australian Coat of Arms near the top right when held up to the light.
Diamond-shaped patterns, forming a star, can also be found printed inside a circle on both sides of legitimate banknotes.
The ‘window’ on the banknote should be clear and unable to be rubbed off. The pattern in the windows can also be checked.
The black and shaded areas on the banknotes are printed with a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.
You can also check for colour differences or blurring in the background, the thickness of the lines and more.
Report immediately
If you think you have come across a counterfeit banknote, you are advised to report it immediately to the relevant authorities.
If in your possession, touch the note as little as possible and store it safely away from the elements.
You have the right to refuse a banknote if you have concerns about it.
More information on spotting counterfeit banknotes can be found on the RBA website.
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