Bold warning: counterfeit cash is flooding Queensland’s east, and police urge heightened vigilance across the board.
Police are alerting the public to a rising tide of fake money circulating in eastern Queensland after three arrests and a spike in reports of counterfeit notes found at various venues.
Authorities say counterfeit $50 notes have appeared at restaurants, shops, and service stations around Mackay, with markers such as the word “PROP,” missing security features, or repeated serial numbers giving them away.
Three individuals have been charged in connection with this month’s distribution, facing accusations that cover possessing counterfeit money, circulating the notes, and fraudulent transactions.
Detective Acting Sergeant Adam Hargrave is appealing to businesses to exercise caution and to verify currency before accepting it. He advises checking for security features including the serial number, the coat of arms watermark, and the distinct transparent window embedded in legitimate notes.
If a counterfeit note is detected, businesses should record the exact time and date of the visit and preserve any relevant CCTV footage to assist police investigations.
This warning follows a recent pattern of counterfeit activity in neighbouring states, with South Australia and New South Wales experiencing spikes earlier in the year. In October, New South Wales police seized counterfeit notes used across Hunter Valley businesses, while South Australia reported hundreds of counterfeit notes in circulation, with fake $50 and $100 notes being used in small purchases to obtain real currency as change.
And this is the part most people miss: individuals and businesses often underestimate how sophisticated counterfeiters can be, making it essential to stay vigilant with routine currency checks and incident reporting.
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