WHAT TO DO WITH A SUSPECT COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTE

It is an offence under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 to knowingly be in possession of a counterfeit banknote but you are allowed to surrender the suspect banknote to the Federal or State police. If the suspect banknote proves to be genuine, you will receive full value for it.

If someone offers you a banknote that you suspect is counterfeit:

• Advise the person that you suspect that the banknote may be counterfeit and that the matter will be reported to the police;
• Note any relevant information such as the description of the person, any companion(s), and any vehicle used; and
• Report the matter immediately to the Federal or State police.

Handle the suspect banknote as little as possible to preserve fingerprints. If possible, put the suspect banknote in a protective cover such as an envelope.

It is important to be mindful of your safety and that of your co-workers and customers. Under no circumstance should you take any action that may jeopardise their safety or your own. It is important to stay calm, and the suspect banknote should only be retained if the matter can be handled in the absence of conflict.