Counterfeit cash hits Gold Coast shops

Criminals are taking advantage of the busy school holidays to flood the Gold Coast with counterfeit cash.

Police have warned local businesses to be on alert as they investigate a number of suspects for manufacturing $50 and $100 bank notes.

Detective Inspector Scott Knowles said the culprits had been targeting licensed premises including the casino.

"We've certainly seen a substantial increase of almost 800 per cent just in these couple of weeks," he said.

Typically the counterfeiters attempt to break a large note by making a small purchase.

"We are seeing people buying a soft drink and handing over a fake $50 note to get legitimate money back," he said.

One person was questioned about why they had so many large notes and explained that they had recently sold a vehicle for cash.

Det Insp Knowles said locals should make themselves familiar with the security features on Australian currency.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's website advises businesses that they are within their rights to refuse a suspect bank note.

A counterfeit note can be identified by feeling the print for special raised ink, examining the print quality or looking at the note under ultraviolet light.

The RBA says suspect bank notes should be handed directly to state or federal police.

Police have released CCTV images of several people they'd like to speak with about the incidents.