Hunter Valley, New South Wales: Police issue warning after thousands in counterfeit cash handed to businesses
New South Wales police have issued a counterfeit cash warning after officers in the Hunter Valley seized thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit notes.
Police were alerted to fake $50 and $100 notes being handed out to local businesses, with the activity taking place between May and October this year.
More than $2600 worth in counterfeit notes have been seized, and inquiries are now underway.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a statement, NSW police say the affected areas include Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone, Singleton, Blandford, Cliftleigh, Glendon, Merriwa and Middle Falbrook.
Police have urged locals to be alert and try to spot counterfeit cash.
They advise the public to feel the note and check if it is plastic and difficult to tear like real Australian cash is, and if there is slightly raised printing on the main graphic.
Other ways to spot a fake include looking for irregular marks on the note and holding the note up to the light to look for the Australian coat of arms.
More tips include:
- Look for the seven-pointed star inside a circle.
- Compare the background printing - look for any distortions or less clearly defined patterns.
- Check that the note has a clear window and that it has a clear printed image: $50 has the Southern Cross and the $100 has the lyrebird.
- If possible, look under a UV light to locate the serial numbers
