Tiny detail on $100 note sparks police warning

Counterfeit $100 notes are circulating in Tasmania, police have warned.

A handful of the fake notes are believed to be circulating around Hobart, Glenorchy and Bellerive recently, Inspector Jason Klug said.

While the notes might at first appear real, one detail reveals they are fakes.

“While people might not notice at first glance, the notes have words such as ‘this is not legal tender’ written on them and the usually clear plastic element is black and not transparent,” Klug said.

“When handling cash, people should check notes for any inconsistencies such as this before accepting them as payment.”

Businesses and individuals who detect these counterfeit notes are urged to contact police and provide any relevant information, including CCTV footage, if possible.

“Please be aware that these notes are circulating and check that the cash you are handling is legitimate,” Klug added.

There are a number of other ways to check if a banknote is real or fake.

Counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared with 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, while the pattern in the windows can be checked alongside genuine notes.

Another detail to check is if the black and shaded areas on the banknotes are printed with a special raised ink that can be felt with the finger as it is on genuine currency.