The man allegedly used a fake $100 note at the Narrandera Coles. Photo: supplied.
Murrumbidgee Police are on the lookout for a man in Narrandera who went into three separate businesses and allegedly paid for items using fake $100 notes.
At around 3:40 pm on 23 November, a man wearing a navy singlet and a straw hat, with black facial hair, went into Coles Narrandera. The man grabbed one drink before heading to the checkout, where he allegedly handed the cashier a fake $100 note. The cashier provided the change to the man and he took the money and left.
Just 20 minutes later, the man went to a cafe in Narrandera and purchased a $3 bottle of water, allegedly handing the cashier another fake $100 note. The cashier took the note and gave the man $97 in change.
The same man is alleged to have entered a Narrandera Chinese restaurant and used another fake $100 note to pay for food.
NSW Police warn that imitation banknotes can look like real currency but are intended to deceive people, have no value and are not legal tender.
Things to look for when accepting cash for purchases that would indicate it is fake include:
- A paper-like texture/appearance of the notes (which should be polymer, a type of plastic)
- The clear circular window on the bottom left-hand corner of the note is either black or not clear enough to see through
- There is text on the note to indicate it is for motion picture use only. This currency is used in the movies or for TV productions and is not legal tender
- The serial numbers on the top left-hand corner of the note and the bottom right-hand corner are not identical.
Police urge people to be vigilant and check notes thoroughly before accepting them for purchase. If there is any doubt and the person presenting the note becomes confrontational, you can call police to attend and assist.
If you have counterfeit currency, the Australian Federal Police advise you to handle it as little as possible and:
- Store it in an envelope
- Record details of how it came to you
- Take it to your local police station and lodge a report.
