Counterfeit banknotes are being circulated on the Gold Coast‏

Recently a number of complaints have been received by Gold Coast Police in relation to counterfeit banknotes being passed at local businesses. These banknotes are predominantly $50 notes. In most instances they are being used to purchase goods, or requests are made to breakdown the banknote into smaller denominations.
Although at face value this crime does not appear to impact most of us on a personal level, unless of course we are a business owner, it does inadvertently affect us with an increase in the cost price of goods to cover losses (as it does with shop stealing).
And needless to say, it’s against the Law!!!  The last thing we want is an ambivalent attitude that facilitates these people getting something for nothing while the rest of us have to handover our hard earned cash.
If you have any information in relation to the manufacture or distribution of counterfeit money on the Gold Coast, or anywhere for that matter, please contact local or federal police, Policelink phone: 131 444 or Crime Stoppers phone: 1800 333 000.
So I hear you ask, “What do I need to be on the lookout for to ensure the money in my wallet or pocket is illegitimate?”
There are number of unique features present on our banknotes and they include the following:
1. Is it Plastic? >>> It is difficult to start a tear along the edge of a genuine banknote.  In addition, you shouldn’t be able to scrunch a genuine banknote with your hand, it should spring back.
2. Check the Clear Window >>> It should be part of the banknote, not an addition.  The white image printed in this window should not be easily scratched off using a fingernail.  Also present in this window is embossing, on the $10 banknote there is a wave pattern, on the $20, $50 and $100 banknotes the value of the banknote should be found.
3. Look for the Coat of Arms >>> When you hold a banknote to the light you should see the Australian Coat of Arms.
4. Look for the Star >>> Diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on both sides of the banknote.  When you hold the banknote to the light the patterns should line up perfectly to form a seven-point star.
5. Feel the dark printing >>> Banknotes are produced with a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.
6. Check the print quality >>> The background printing is sharp with clearly defined patterns, lines and colour differences.
7. Look for the Microprinting >>> Under a magnifying glass you will see tiny, clearly defined words on the top left corner of the $5 banknote and near the portraits on the other banknotes.
8. Look at the banknote under UV light >>> The areas of the banknote that are fluorescent is a patch on the $5 banknote and a patch on the $20, $50 and $100 banknotes that also shows the relevant value.
(as per Reserve Bank of Australia brochure “Counterfeit Detection”)
For further information please contact the Reserve Bank on phone: 1800 633 220, email nienquiries@rba.gov.au or view website www.rba.gov.au/banknotes
  Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Source: myPolice Gold Coast