Counterfeit cash circulates Melbourne
Victoria Police say they are investigating 40 reports of counterfeit money being used in stores from Heidelberg to Epping.
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An abundance of counterfeit money being circulated in Melbourne's north has prompted police to call for greater vigilance.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Kelly Yates said detectives were investigating about 40 reports of fake notes being used at stores located in an area staretching from Heidelberg to Epping.
Since February, the notes have been used at a range of venues including fast food restaurants, convenience stores, milk bars and supermarkets.
Detective Senior Constable Matthew McKenzie said police were urging shopkeepers and employees to be alert when accepting $50 and $100 notes.
“The best way to identify a counterfeit $50 and $100 is by looking at the clear window on the note,” he said.
“The window appears to have been cut out with two clear plastic pieces stuck together with stars placed in the middle to replicate the Southern Cross. This area is also raised.”
Senior Constable McKenzie said the fake notes were sometimes smaller than regular notes or poorly cut.
A 'scrunch test' of notes can also determine their authenticity.
Senior Constable McKenzie said notes that did not return to their flat state after being scrunched were likely to be counterfeit.
“Employees can also attempt to make a small tear in the note corner and if the note tears, then their suspicions should be raised,” he said.
A police spokesman confirmed the force would investigate if the counterfit cash was similar to notes seized in Melbourne’s eastern and western suburbs in June.
Hobsons Bay police reported on their Facebook Eyewatch page that there had been ‘‘several instances’’ of counterfeit $50 and $100 notes seized since June 15. Yarra Ranges police are investigating the use of counterfeit money to make purchases at a Mooroolbark supermarket and 7Eleven.
Anyone who believes they may have been handed one of these notes is asked to retain them and hand them over to local police.
Police also encourage people to get descriptions of people who hand the notes over and any vehicles they may have travelled in.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
