Many Wagga businesses, including Bargain Buys, have reported customers using fake notes. Photo: NSW Police, Inset – Jarryd Rowley.
A young retail worker from Bargain Buys has called out a man trying to use a fake $100 bill.
Many businesses from around Wagga have claimed to be subject to customers using false cash to buy groceries and goods.
Turvey Tops IGA, Best and Less, The Reject Shop and Bargain Buys are among a number that have claimed to be subject to the fake cash, with a young retail staff member from the latter identifying the fake money.
Bargain Buys manager Michelle Phillips said she was super lucky to have the young staff member recognise the fake, while also having the confidence to call it out.
The young worker will remain nameless as per a request for privacy.
“We are so lucky that she has got a good head on her shoulders and was able to call it out,” Ms Phillips said.
“It was a $100 note, and it just literally had no window in it, and it didn’t look right. She just told her fella, ‘Sorry, I can’t take that’.
“They didn’t kick up a stink whatsoever. I think it was a bloke who knew that it wasn’t a real one, because when she said, ‘Look, mate, I’m sorry, we can’t accept that; you might need to take it to the bank’, he just literally took it back and walked away. So they obviously know.”
Ms Phillips said she had never seen a fake note before but said other businesses had experienced counterfeit notes.
“Best and Less had a couple. They had someone pay with one and then come back and try and get a refund. They obviously didn’t allow it either.”
Region contacted Best and Less, but staff decided not to comment.
Wagga Police have advised business owners and residents to be aware of counterfeit currency being circulated in the community.
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 polymeric/plastic)
- The clear circular window on the bottom left-hand corner of the note is 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.
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.
