Police warn South Brisbane District businesses to check cash for fakes

Police are urging businesses across the South Brisbane District, including Bayside and Centenary suburbs, to be vigilant with cash payments after a rise in counterfeit banknotes.

Counterfeit Australian $50 and $100 notes have most commonly been presented to police in recent weeks following purchases at service stations, retail stores and fast food outlets. Police said reports of counterfeit notes in the district have increased this year, with other denominations also copied from time to time.

Police said any reasonable examination of a note will show it is fake. Signs include the quality or texture of the material, or the feel of the note, including paper versus plastic. A counterfeit note printed on paper will not have a clear window, and security features such as the coat of arms will not be visible when it is held to the light.

Staff who suspect someone is handing them counterfeit notes can refuse to accept them, as long as it is safe to do so.

Anyone who comes across a suspected counterfeit banknote is asked to:

- Handle the note as little as possible and store it in an envelope.
- Note any relevant information, such as how it came into their possession.
- Report the matter immediately to Federal or Queensland Police through Policelink on 131 444, or online via the Policelink reporting page.

More information on identifying counterfeit notes is available in the Reserve Bank of Australia's counterfeit detection guide.

Anyone with information for police can contact Policelink on 131 444 or use the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers Queensland website.