Hawkesbury Police have issued a warning to the community this week after a number of counterfeit $50 notes have been discovered, circulating around the local area.
Officers said that while the counterfeit notes are of reasonably good quality, it is easy to detect that they are false if you follow the guide which you can reach by following this link:
http://banknotes.rba.gov.au/co…/counterfeit-detection-guide/
“We urge all in business to have a look at the methods for protecting yourself,” local police said
How to tell if money is counterfeit according to the RBA.
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
LOOK FOR THE COAT OF ARMS
- If you hold the banknote to the light, you should see the Australian Coat of Arms.
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.
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.
FEEL THE DARK PRINTING
- It is produced with a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.
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.
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.
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).
