Can you spot this tiny detail that separates a fake $50 note from a real one?
Members, it’s important to be familiar with the ways to spot counterfeit money, so we can quickly identify it should we come across any.
On Monday, a Shell petrol station in Chinderah–near Tweed Heads in New South Wales–found out firsthand how convincing these fakes are.
Taking to social media, the business posted two seemingly identical $50 notes and compared them side-by-side.
The petrol station wanted to see if the public could spot the fake.
'Be wary as there are fake notes in circulation–we had one come through this weekend,' they wrote.
The caption continued: 'Incredibly, they have replicated the window and the seven-point star on the bottom left of the window. The only thing they couldn’t replicate is the ultraviolet serial number…it doesn’t light up under a blue light.'
Can you tell which one is fake?
The public had divided opinions when trying to discern which wasn't real between the two notes.
'I think the top one is fake. But I would not have picked at a glance,' one person said, while another replied, 'How do you even find out? They both look legit.'
A social media user pointed out: ‘It's a very good fake. What was the feel of the counterfeit? Did it have the same plastic feel? The top one looks like it has ink lifting off the note rather than part of the note. I hope it does not cause others to, unfortunately, lose money.’
The store later clarified that the top note was fake.
The store hoped that their post would help out other Aussies: ‘Hopefully we will be able to prevent others accepting these fake notes’.
This incident came on the back of reports of a student from a private school offering fake $50 notes in Sydney. According to reports, a group of boys from the $40,000-a-year private school were caught on camera using counterfeit $50 notes to steal $100 from a Double Bay news agency.
If you’re worried that a fake note could swindle you, the Reserve Bank of Australia has some great tips that could help you save your hard-earned money.
Firstly, counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared to a genuine banknote–so if the note feels off, it’s best to move on.
Legitimate currency should also have the Australian Coat of Arms near the top right when held up to the light.
Diamond-shaped patterns, forming a star, can also be found inside a circle on both sides of legitimate banknotes.
The 'window' on the banknote should be clear and unable to be rubbed off, while the window pattern can be checked alongside genuine notes.
Another detail to check is if the black and shaded areas on the banknotes are printed with a special raised ink that can be felt with the finger as it is on the actual currency.
If you spot a counterfeit note, we recommend immediately reporting it to the police.
If in doubt, remember that you can refuse suspect notes.
Have you encountered counterfeit money, members? Share your experience in the comments!
On Monday, a Shell petrol station in Chinderah–near Tweed Heads in New South Wales–found out firsthand how convincing these fakes are.
Taking to social media, the business posted two seemingly identical $50 notes and compared them side-by-side.
The petrol station wanted to see if the public could spot the fake.
'Be wary as there are fake notes in circulation–we had one come through this weekend,' they wrote.
The caption continued: 'Incredibly, they have replicated the window and the seven-point star on the bottom left of the window. The only thing they couldn’t replicate is the ultraviolet serial number…it doesn’t light up under a blue light.'
Can you tell which one is fake?
The public had divided opinions when trying to discern which wasn't real between the two notes.
'I think the top one is fake. But I would not have picked at a glance,' one person said, while another replied, 'How do you even find out? They both look legit.'
A social media user pointed out: ‘It's a very good fake. What was the feel of the counterfeit? Did it have the same plastic feel? The top one looks like it has ink lifting off the note rather than part of the note. I hope it does not cause others to, unfortunately, lose money.’
The store later clarified that the top note was fake.
The store hoped that their post would help out other Aussies: ‘Hopefully we will be able to prevent others accepting these fake notes’.
This incident came on the back of reports of a student from a private school offering fake $50 notes in Sydney. According to reports, a group of boys from the $40,000-a-year private school were caught on camera using counterfeit $50 notes to steal $100 from a Double Bay news agency.
If you’re worried that a fake note could swindle you, the Reserve Bank of Australia has some great tips that could help you save your hard-earned money.
Firstly, counterfeit notes may feel much thicker or thinner compared to a genuine banknote–so if the note feels off, it’s best to move on.
Legitimate currency should also have the Australian Coat of Arms near the top right when held up to the light.
Diamond-shaped patterns, forming a star, can also be found inside a circle on both sides of legitimate banknotes.
The 'window' on the banknote should be clear and unable to be rubbed off, while the window pattern can be checked alongside genuine notes.
Another detail to check is if the black and shaded areas on the banknotes are printed with a special raised ink that can be felt with the finger as it is on the actual currency.
If you spot a counterfeit note, we recommend immediately reporting it to the police.
Key Takeaways
- Australians are being warned to watch out for fake $50 notes in circulation.
- A Shell petrol station in Chinderah, near Tweed Heads, shared a photo of two $50 notes on social media, one of which was a convincing counterfeit.
- The Reserve Bank of Australia has recommendations to detect fake banknotes, including checking if they feel thicker or thinner than genuine ones and looking for authenticating details such as the Australian Coat of Arms, diamond-shaped patterns, a clear 'window', and special raised ink.
- The Reserve Bank of Australia also urges anyone encountering a counterfeit to report it to the police immediately.
If in doubt, remember that you can refuse suspect notes.
Have you encountered counterfeit money, members? Share your experience in the comments!