GUNNEDAH police are investigating four recent reports of the use of counterfeit fifty dollars notes in local businesses.
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In late January, the first reported suspicious note was handed in at Gunnedah McDonalds, while two more counterfeit $50 notes were handed in to Gunnedah KFC on January 29.
The notes are easily identifiable, with Chinese characters where the serial number should be.
Business owners are urged to ensure they check notes before acceptance, and report all counterfeit currency to their local police.
Persons in possession of counterfeit money face a term of imprisonment for up to ten years. Investigations are continuing.
NSW Police tips to ensure a note is genuine:
- Always check a range of security features – don’t rely on only one or two.
- It can be useful to compare a suspect banknote with one you know is genuine. Look for differences.
- All Australian banknotes have similar security features, though their location can vary.
- Feel the banknote. Australian banknotes are printed on plastic and have a distinct feel. The dark printing is produced with a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.
- Check the clear window. The clear window should be part of the banknote and not an addition. Check that the white image of the Southern Cross cannot be easily rubbed off and look for the clear embossing of the number ‘50’.
- Look for the star. Diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on each side of the banknote. When the banknote is held up to the light, the patterns should line up perfectly to form a seven-pointed star.
- Check the shadow image. A hidden image of the Australian Coat of Arms to the right of Unaipon’s portrait can be seen when the banknote is held up to the light.
- Look for the microprinting. Under a magnifying glass you will see tiny, clearly defined words that read ‘FIFTY DOLLARS’.
- Examine the plastic. It is difficult to start a tear along the edge of a genuine banknote. You can also try scrunching it in your hand, a genuine banknote should spring back when you release it.
- Check the print quality. The background printing should be sharp. Check for irregularities such as less clearly defined patterns, thicker or thinner lines, or colour differences.
- Look at the banknote under UV light. The serial numbers on a genuine banknote will glow under ultraviolet light, along with a patch showing the value i.e. ‘50’. The rest of the banknote should not glow under this light.
For more informtion regarding counterfeit notes contact the Reserve Bank of Australia on 1800 633 220 or the www.banknotes.rba.gov.au.
