The differences that give away these $50 counterfeit notes - can you spot them?
Fake $50 notes are in circulation prompting a warning from police to look out for the key differences between the counterfeit bills and the real ones.
The fake notes are “quite distinctive” and are “easily detected as being fake from the briefest inspection” says ACT Police.
They have been circulating in the ACT but police said they are “similar to those that were used in locations across Australia in 2017, and appear to be training banknotes from overseas”.
Firstly, the notes have superimposed Chinese characters on them covering the clear security window.
The writing not only covers the southern cross in the clear window but also a portion of diamond-shaped star to the left of it, on the side with Indigenous author David Unaipon on it.
On the other side, with Edith Cowan on it, the writing also covers up one of the three solid black lines, part of the star and the window.
The writing translates to say the note is a “sample” or for “practise”.
When looking at both sides – two sets of broken black lines can be seen breaking through the 50 in the top right corner.
The notes also contain no security numbers.
An ACT Police spokesman added the notes “feel different” as they are printed on paper unlike legitimate Australian bills, which are made from polymer.
They also have different printing.
“There’s no raised printing on the fake notes,” he said.
“If you’re holding a legitimate $50 note (the side with Unaipon on it), you should feel raised print near the trees.”
ACT Policing Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Kennedy said if anyone receives a note they are unsure is genuine, they should not accept it.
“These notes in particular are easily detected as being fake from the briefest inspection, if you take the time to look at them,” he said.
Anyone found unlawfully possessing or using counterfeit currency face could face up to 12 years’ jail.
If you’re unsure whether you’re carrying a fake, visit the Reserve Bank of Australia’s counterfeit detection guide.
Police are urging anyone who may have any information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
