Woman accused of using fake cash in 11-day spree

A WOMAN has bought herself a day in court after allegedly using counterfeit cash at several businesses across the Riverina.

The 25-year-old woman was arrested in Wynyard Street, Tumut, on Thursday morning, May 28, following an extensive police investigation.

Police allege the woman knowingly used counterfeit money at multiple businesses across the Tumut and Wagga areas over an 11-day period between Thursday, May 14, and Sunday, May 24.

Following her arrest, she was taken to Tumut Police Station, where she was charged with four counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and three counts of using counterfeit money knowing it to be counterfeit.

She was refused police bail and is due to appear before a bail court on Friday, May 29.

Do you know how to spot a fake? 

Police are urging retailers to remain vigilant when handling cash and to check notes carefully for signs they may be counterfeit.

In Australia, counterfeit $50 and $100 notes are among the most commonly reported fake banknotes, though other denominations are also copied from time to time.

Retailers are advised to feel the note, with genuine Australian banknotes printed on a special plastic polymer that is difficult to tear.

This image shows a comparison between a genuine $50 banknote (top) and a counterfeit note (bottom), highlighting differences in print quality and security features | File image

A counterfeit note printed on paper may feel different to genuine currency, while security features such as the Australian Coat of Arms may not be visible when held to the light.

The Coat of Arms is generally located to the left of the clear window or denomination numeral when looking at the front of the note.

Police also recommend checking the clear window and printed image and, where possible, using a UV light to locate serial numbers.

The Southern Cross is printed in the clear window of $50 notes, while $100 notes feature an image of a lyrebird.

Retailers should also check for words such as “prop” or “specimen”, feel for slightly raised printing on the main design, look for the seven-pointed star inside a circle, and compare the background printing for distortions or unclear patterns.

Anyone who suspects they are being handed counterfeit cash can refuse to accept the note, provided it is safe to do so.

Anyone who comes across a suspected counterfeit banknote should handle it as little as possible, place it in an envelope, note any relevant details about how it came into their possession, and report the matter to police.