News

Police ask businesses to take a closer look at their cash

By Shannon Colee

Mar 14, 2024

Take note: Police have urged businesses to be on the lookout for counterfeit notes. This one is real. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Echuca police are on the lookout for suspicious-looking bank notes after several businesses in the area reported counterfeit notes.

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Sergeant Tony Keely said that it is possible for businesses to distinguish between real and fake notes.

“We’re asking every business to be diligent in checking any large amount of $50 or $100 notes,” he said.

“They should keep a current (note) next to them for something to compare them with. They do stand out if you are not rushed - you can see that they’re counterfeit.”

If people find counterfeit notes, they should contact police.

"We want to know if there’s counterfeit money running around — even if it’s just a $50 note and you’re not worried about it,” Sgt Keely said.

“We've got three businesses affected so far. There’s probably more that have been hit but haven’t reported it. We want to know so we can thoroughly investigate."

Sgt Keely said he does not think it’s a widespread problem.

“At the moment we believe it’s an isolated group and we hope it doesn’t escalate wider,” he said.

“People think that someone gets away with it, so then the next person may try the same thing. So that’s why we need it reported straight away.”

If anyone has any information regarding the counterfeit notes or would like to make a report, they can contact the Echuca Police Station on 5483 1500.