Robina Police have taken possession of a number of counterfeit $50 and $100 bills in the last two weeks. There appears to be an upswing in forgers producing counterfeit notes right across the Gold Coast and Senior Sergeant Andrew Frick advises members of the public to beware when buying or selling items. Some fakes are very realistic and can be hard to detect, especially in the hurly-burly of Christmas shopping. One unfortunate resident had a counterfeit $50 handed to her while running a garage sale – which wiped out most of her profit for the day.
So, make yourself aware of what a counterfeit note looks and feels like and avoid becoming a victim of fraudsters. If you think a note handed to you feels or looks odd, refuse it and ask the customer or retailer to provide another form of payment. If a counterfeit note comes into your possession, contact the police immediately and take the note into your local police station. It will be sent to the Australian Federal Police for analysis – but unfortunately, will not be refunded.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has released information about the differences between real and counterfeit notes.
1 – IS IT PLASTIC?
Australian banknotes are printed on plastic and have a distinct feel. A suspect banknote may feel excessively thick or thin compared to a genuine banknote. It is difficult to start a tear along the edge of a genuine banknote. You can also try scrunching the banknote in your hand – a genuine banknote should spring back.
2 – LOOK FOR THE COAT OF ARMS
If you hold the banknote to the light, you should see the Australian Coat of Arms.
3 – LOOK FOR THE STAR
Diamond-shaped patterns are printed inside a circle on both sides of the banknote. If you hold the banknote up to the light, the patterns should line up perfectly to form a seven-pointed star.
4 – CHECK THE CLEAR WINDOW
The clear window should be an integral part of the banknote and not an addition. Check that the white image printed on the window cannot be easily rubbed off. Also look for the embossing – there is a wave pattern in the window of the $10 banknote, and the value of the banknote in the windows of $20, $50 and $100 banknotes.
5 – FEEL THE DARK PRINTING
It is produced with a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.
6 – CHECK THE PRINT QUALITY
The background printing should be sharp. Check for irregularities such as less clearly defined patterns, thicker or thinner lines, or 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
Most of the banknote should not fluoresce. The exceptions are the serial numbers, a patch on the $5 banknote and a patch on the $20, $50 and $100 banknotes that also shows the value (e.g. 50)
Source
myPolice Gold Coast
