Canberrans are being warned to look out for counterfeit money after reports of false banknotes being used in the ACT.
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ACT Policing said the fake notes being used were quite distinctive.
They are printed on paper and have Chinese characters superimposed on them where the clear security window feature should be.
There are no serial numbers of other security features that appear on genuine Australian banknotes.
The notes are similar to other fakes that were used across Australia in 2017, and appear to be training banknotes from overseas.
Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Kennedy urged anyone who handled cash to be vigilant and to inspect banknotes when they received them.
“If you don’t think a banknote you’ve been presented with is genuine, then don’t accept it,” he said.
“These notes in particular are easily detected as being fake from the briefest inspection, if you take the time to look at them.
“If you do receive what you believe to be a counterfeit banknote, try to handle it as little as possible to preserve evidence."
Detective Acting Superintendent Kennedy said anyone who received what appeared to be a counterfeit banknote should note down a description of the person who gave it to them and call police immediately on 131 444.
Unlawfully using or possessing counterfeit money carries a maximum jail term of 12 years.
