Police are urging community and businesses be vigilant when receiving money, after recent reports of counterfeit notes, particularly $100 notes, circulating in the Bundaberg area.

The following tips can help you to decide if a banknote seems real or fake:

1. What does it feel like? Counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared to a genuine banknote.

2. Look for the Coat of Arms – If you hold the banknote to the light, you should see the Australian Coat of Arms (number 2 on the picture above).

3. Look for the Star – Diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on both sides of the banknote.

4. Check the Window – Check the window is clear and cannot be rubbed off, and also the patterns are the same as genuine banknotes.

5. Feel the dark printing – The black and shaded areas are printed with a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.

6. Check the print quality – The background on banknotes should be sharp and clear as well, so look for irregularities like colour differences, blurring, thicker or thinner lines, and so on.

Recent reports also involve banknotes printed with the following text:

“THIS IS NOT LEGAL TENDER. ITS USED FOR MOTION PROP. PRANK USE ONLY”.

If you come across a counterfeit banknote:

• Report it immediately to police.
• Touch the suspect banknote as little as possible and store it in an envelope.
• Note any relevant information, such as how it came into your possession.

You have the right to refuse a banknote if you have concerns about it.

However, police do not recommend you take any actions that may put yourself or others at risk.

For more information on spotting counterfeit banknotes see the RBA website.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.