Last update: Monday, 18 August 2025, 8:28am

ACT Policing has urged Canberra businesses and the public to remain alert following a series of incidents involving counterfeit currency.

Since December 2024, police have recorded more than 80 cases of fake cash being passed, with the latest incident occurring on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Offenders have mainly used $50 and $100 notes to purchase low-value goods, allowing them to receive genuine change. Reports have also been received of counterfeit notes being used to buy items through Facebook Marketplace.

Detective Acting Superintendent of Intelligence Toby Seppings said the counterfeit notes can look authentic at first glance but lack the key security features of genuine Australian currency.
“Many of these notes have the words COPY or PROP printed in small letters and do not contain the security features found on legitimate banknotes,” he said.

How to check Australian banknote security features:

• Hold up to the light to see a seven-pointed star and the Australian Coat of Arms
• Tilt to see the bird’s wings move and change colour, and the number shift in direction
• Check that the clear window is part of the banknote
• Tilt to see a rolling colour effect
• Use a UV light to reveal features that fluoresce

For further details, the Reserve Bank of Australia website provides a full guide to security features.

Anyone who suspects they have received a counterfeit note is urged to contact police by visiting their local station or calling 131 444.

Information about the use or sale of counterfeit notes can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Source:https://police.act.gov.au/news/2025