Police issue warning over counterfeit notes handed to NSW businesses

NSW residents have been warned to be on the lookout for counterfeit cash after police seized $2600 in fake notes.

The notes were handed to businesses in the state's Hunter Valley region at businesses in Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone, Singleton, Blandford, Cliftleigh, Glendon, Merriwa and Middle Falbrook between May and this month.

Police are now investigating the source of the notes.

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Police have urged people to be aware of the signs of a fake note.

If you suspect you have counterfeit cash in your possession, it is important to feel the note as genuine cash is printed on special plastic polymer and is difficult to tear, officers said.

A telltale sign of a fake is if words such as "prop" or "specimen" mark the note.

You should also hold the note to the light and look for the Australian coat of arms.

This is generally located to the left of the clear window or denomination numeral when looking at the front of the note.

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Another way to tell the difference is to compare the background printing, looking for any distortions or less clearly defined patterns.

Feel for slightly raised printing on the main design of the note and look for the seven-pointed star inside a circle.

Check that the note has a clear window and that it has a clear printed image.

The $50 note has the Southern Cross and the $100 note has the lyrebird.

If possible, look under a UV light to locate the serial numbers.

In recent months, counterfeit cash has also been found in other states, including South Australia and Tasmania.

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