Can you tell if these recently seized $100 notes are real? Answer – both are fake (as they have the word ‘props’ in the bottom right corners). Photo: ACT Policing.
Police are warning the community to double-check their banknotes as nearly 100 counterfeit cash incidents have been reported across Canberra since the end of last year.
This fake cash has been handed to both businesses and private sellers.
An ACT Policing spokesperson said that since December 2024, police have recorded more than 80 counterfeit cash incidents, with the most recent occurring last week.
The fraudsters targeted a variety of businesses using larger banknote denominations of either $50 or $100.
They often use the fake notes to purchase low-value items, then receive the balance in legitimate notes.
There have also been reports of counterfeit currency being used to purchase items on Facebook Marketplace.
ACT Policing’s Detective Acting Superintendent of Intelligence, Toby Seppings, said these counterfeit banknotes may appear genuine at first glance but often lack key security features found in Australian currency.
“Often the counterfeit currency has COPY or PROP written on the banknote in small letters, and they lack the key security features of legitimate cash,” he said.
“When handling cash, especially large notes, people should check for any inconsistencies before accepting them as payment.”
The police spokesperson said to check security features on Australian banknotes:
- HOLD it up to the light to see a seven-pointed star and the Australian Coat of Arms
- TILT to see the bird’s wings move and change colour, and the number changes direction
- CHECK the clear window is part of the banknote
- TILT to see a rolling colour effect
- USE a UV light to see its features fluoresce.
For more information on these features, visit the Reserve Bank of Australia.
If you come across a banknote you suspect is counterfeit, contact the police by attending your local police station or calling 131 444 with any relevant information or CCTV if possible.
If you have information about the sale or use of counterfeit banknotes, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT.
Well why don't you do something about it and clean the dam out if its such an issue CR? View