Criminals are passing fake $50 and $100 notes to businesses in the northern suburbs, according to police.
The Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit is investigating about 40 reports of counterfeit notes being used at fast food restaurants, convenience stores, milk bars and supermarkets in Mill Park, Epping, Heidelberg, Lalor, Bundoora and Thomastown since February this year.
Detective Senior Constable Matthew McKenzie said shopkeepers should check $50 and $100 notes, and look at the clear window on the note.
“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,” he said.
He said shopkeepers could try a “scrunch test” and if it is a fake note made out of paper, it will remain scrunched, unlike a real bill which flattens out.
He said if the note could be torn, it was likely to be counterfeit, while some of the fakes were smaller than the real notes and were not cut straight.
Suspicious notes should be handed to police and shopkeepers should attempt to get a description of the person who passed the bill and details of their vehicles, he said.
If you come across a counterfeit note, contact Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
