BEWARE: Counterfeit money scam hits the Royal Adelaide Show
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Scammers were out and about looking to take advantage of unsuspecting guests at the Royal Adelaide Show this year.
The Royal Adelaide Show was held from September 1 to 9, with an incredible 50,000 people attending the show on its opening day.
South Australia Police has confirmed reports of multiple fake $50 notes being passed around the show at three separate stalls.
On September 7th, a man handed a fake $50 note to a stall employee who quickly identified it as being counterfeit.
'The man did not receive any items in exchange and left the stall prior to being asked about the note,' a SA Police spokesperson said.
On the same day, a customer was given a counterfeit note after paying for their food at another stall.
On the next day, September 8th, another counterfeit $50 was found by a stall employee.
'Police attended and seized the counterfeit notes and enquiries are continuing,' the SA Police spokesperson added.
According to the police, patrons and business owners should thoroughly inspect any cash they have received to ensure it is legitimate.
If anyone suspects they have received a counterfeit note, it's best to store the note in an envelope, keep it untouched, and take the note to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
'Please be prepared to tell police the time and place where you believe you were passed the fake bank note and a description of the person or people you believe passed it to you,' SA Police advised.
Furthermore, to identify whether a suspected note is indeed a counterfeit, SA Police suggested comparing it with a note that is known to be genuine.
In a similar situation, employees of a Shell petrol station in Chinderah—near Tweed Heads in New South Wales—shared on social media how convincing these counterfeit notes are.
'Be wary as there are fake notes in circulation—we had one come through this weekend,' they wrote.
The store hoped that their post would help prevent other Aussies from accepting fake notes.
You can read more about this story here.
How to Identify Counterfeit Money
The Reserve Bank of Australia created a guide on how to spot a counterfeit banknote, and below are some easy steps to identify whether your banknotes are indeed fake:
First and foremost, check the texture, as genuine notes are printed on plastic and have a distinct feel. Counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared to a genuine banknote.
Legitimate notes will also have the Australian Coat of Arms near the top right when held up to the light.
Moreover, Diamond-shaped patterns, forming a seven-pointed star, can also be found inside a circle on both sides of legitimate banknotes.
The 'clear window' on the banknote is an integral part and should not be easily rubbed off. A wave pattern can be seen in the window of the $10 banknote and the value in the windows of $20, $50, and $100 banknotes.
If you attended the Royal Adelaide Show, please check any banknotes you received immediately.
Have you ever experienced receiving a counterfeit note? What signs were you able to spot on the note? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
The Royal Adelaide Show was held from September 1 to 9, with an incredible 50,000 people attending the show on its opening day.
The Royal Adelaide Show happened from September 1 to 9. Image source: Instagram/@royaladelaideshow.
South Australia Police has confirmed reports of multiple fake $50 notes being passed around the show at three separate stalls.
On September 7th, a man handed a fake $50 note to a stall employee who quickly identified it as being counterfeit.
Images of the counterfeit notes found at the Royal Adelaide Show. Image source: South Australia Police.
'The man did not receive any items in exchange and left the stall prior to being asked about the note,' a SA Police spokesperson said.
On the same day, a customer was given a counterfeit note after paying for their food at another stall.
On the next day, September 8th, another counterfeit $50 was found by a stall employee.
'Police attended and seized the counterfeit notes and enquiries are continuing,' the SA Police spokesperson added.
According to the police, patrons and business owners should thoroughly inspect any cash they have received to ensure it is legitimate.
If anyone suspects they have received a counterfeit note, it's best to store the note in an envelope, keep it untouched, and take the note to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
'Please be prepared to tell police the time and place where you believe you were passed the fake bank note and a description of the person or people you believe passed it to you,' SA Police advised.
Furthermore, to identify whether a suspected note is indeed a counterfeit, SA Police suggested comparing it with a note that is known to be genuine.
In a similar situation, employees of a Shell petrol station in Chinderah—near Tweed Heads in New South Wales—shared on social media how convincing these counterfeit notes are.
'Be wary as there are fake notes in circulation—we had one come through this weekend,' they wrote.
The store hoped that their post would help prevent other Aussies from accepting fake notes.
You can read more about this story here.
How to Identify Counterfeit Money
The Reserve Bank of Australia created a guide on how to spot a counterfeit banknote, and below are some easy steps to identify whether your banknotes are indeed fake:
First and foremost, check the texture, as genuine notes are printed on plastic and have a distinct feel. Counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared to a genuine banknote.
Legitimate notes will also have the Australian Coat of Arms near the top right when held up to the light.
Moreover, Diamond-shaped patterns, forming a seven-pointed star, can also be found inside a circle on both sides of legitimate banknotes.
The 'clear window' on the banknote is an integral part and should not be easily rubbed off. A wave pattern can be seen in the window of the $10 banknote and the value in the windows of $20, $50, and $100 banknotes.
Have you ever experienced receiving a counterfeit note? What signs were you able to spot on the note? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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