When a 22-year-old man and seven others were charged with counterfeit money offences in Tasmania last month, it highlighted a troubling trend that particularly affects older Australians—criminals targeting those with accumulated wealth and potentially less familiarity with modern security features.
In this article
The charges, announced by Tasmania Police in late August 2025, involved a 22-year-old Invermay man facing multiple counterfeit money-related offences, with seven additional people in northern Tasmania also proceeded against by police in relation to counterfeit money offences.
Tasmanian Police said the warning was issued after counterfeit notes were found circulating in the state’s north.
How serious is Australia's counterfeiting problem?
The good news is that Australia has one of the lowest rates of counterfeiting in the world. In 2021/22, around 12,000 counterfeits, with a nominal value of $900,000, were detected in circulation, corresponding to a counterfeiting rate of around six counterfeits detected per million genuine banknotes in circulation.
More reassuring still, most people will never see a counterfeit. However, the quality of counterfeits has fallen and is now at its lowest level in a decade, meaning the risk of accepting a counterfeit has decreased, as low-quality counterfeits are more easily identified.
'Police remind the community that it is an offence to possess, buy, sell and use counterfeit money. If you're handling cash—please be vigilant and check notes to prevent falling victim to these offences.'
'As part of ongoing investigations into counterfeit notes circulating, late last week, police in northern Tasmania charged a 22-year-old man from Invermay with multiple counterfeit money related offences.'
'A further seven people in northern Tasmania have also been proceeded against by police in relation to counterfeit money offences in August.'
The telltale signs of fake Australian notes
The counterfeit notes circulating in Tasmania may appear legitimate at first glance, however, some have the word 'PROPS' printed on them. This echoes similar patterns seen across Australia, where counterfeit currency often has COPY or PROP written on the banknote in small letters and they lack the key security features of legitimate cash.
The Reserve Bank of Australia provides clear guidance on spotting fakes. Most counterfeits in Australia are printed on paper, not plastic. This means they will tear easily compared to our genuine banknotes. Also, our genuine banknotes don't crumble the same way paper counterfeits will.
Quick security checks for your banknotes
Feel test: Genuine notes are polymer (plastic) and should spring back to shape when scrunched
Tear test: Real notes resist tearing along edges; paper counterfeits tear easily
Window check: Clear windows should be continuous, not stuck on or cloudy
Star test: Hold to light to see seven-pointed star and Australian Coat of Arms
Texture check: Run fingers over portrait and numbers to feel raised printing
Serial numbers: Should glow under UV light
The Reserve Bank of Australia also advised everyone to do the following:
• Check both sides of the note and look for any markings, such as the word PROPS.
• Look to see that the security window feature is legitimate.
• Check the note for inconsistencies in thickness and colour.
• A suspect banknote may feel thicker or thinner and lighter than a genuine banknote.
Why older Australians are in the crosshairs
While counterfeiting affects all age groups, research shows seniors face a disproportionate risk from financial crimes. Older people suffered the greatest harm at the hands of scammers, with losses for people over the age of 65 increasing by 13.3 per cent in 2023 to $120 million.
Often older Australians have more money and accumulated wealth than younger people, making them an attractive target for a scammer. Additionally, older Australians may also be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology.
However, this vulnerability isn't about intelligence—it's about targeting. Scammers take advantage of some older people's lack of technology knowledge and experience, as well as other vulnerabilities including loneliness.
What to do if you receive a suspicious note
You are well within your rights to refuse to accept a banknote if you have concerns about it. Under no circumstances should you take actions that may jeopardise your safety or that of others.
If you suspect you've received a counterfeit note, the Reserve Bank advises specific steps:
Your action plan for suspect banknotes
- Handle the note as little as possible and store it in an envelope
- Record relevant information about how you received it
- Check CCTV if you're a business owner and know who passed the note
- Report directly to police on 131 444 or attend your local station
- Complete the AFP's online Suspect Counterfeit Banknote Submission Form
- Remember: counterfeits have no value—you will not be reimbursed
The broader financial protection picture
The Tasmania counterfeit charges serve as a reminder that financial crimes continue to evolve. Recent patterns show offenders have targeted a variety of businesses using larger banknote denominations of either $50 or $100, often using the fake notes to purchase low value items—receiving the balance in legitimate notes.
Police have also received reports of the counterfeit currency being used to purchase items on Facebook marketplace, showing how criminals adapt their methods to modern selling platforms.
Staying one step ahead
The reassuring reality is that counterfeiting of Australian banknotes is approaching its lowest level in a decade. The combination of sophisticated security features and effective law enforcement means your risk of encountering a counterfeit remains very low.
However, staying vigilant doesn't hurt. To determine if a suspect banknote is a counterfeit, it is best to compare it with a banknote that is known to be genuine. Keep a known genuine note handy for comparison if you're ever in doubt.
For business owners, the advice is particularly relevant. Tasmania Police have advised that all businesses and staff were 'urged to be vigilant when accepting money and to check notes are real, especially $50 and $100'.
The Tasmania counterfeit money charges remind us that while criminal activity continues, knowledge is your best defence. By understanding what to look for and how to respond, you're well-equipped to protect yourself from these relatively rare but potentially costly encounters.
Remember, if something doesn't feel right about a banknote, trust your instincts. It's better to be cautious and wrong than to accept a worthless piece of paper in place of your hard-earned money.
Have you ever encountered a suspicious banknote, or do you have questions about checking the security features on Australian currency? Share your experiences or concerns in the comments below—your insights could help fellow community members stay safe.
Original Article
https://7news.com.au/news/counterfe...warning-as-man-charged-in-tasmania-c-19882362
22yo man among several charged with counterfeit money offences | The Examiner | Launceston, TAS
Cited text: A 22-year-old Invermay man is among eight people charged in August with numerous offences relating to counterfeit money.
Excerpt: The charges, announced by Tasmania Police in late August 2025, involved a 22-year-old Invermay man facing multiple counterfeit money-related offences, with seven additional people in northern Tasmania also proceeded against by police in…
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/9...eral-charged-with-counterfeit-money-offences/
Counterfeit Money Circulating And Charges Laid | Mirage News
Cited text: 'As part of ongoing investigations into counterfeit notes circulating, late last week police in northern Tasmania charged a 22-year-old man from Inver...
Excerpt: The charges, announced by Tasmania Police in late August 2025, involved a 22-year-old Invermay man facing multiple counterfeit money-related offences, with seven additional people in northern Tasmania also proceeded against by police in…
https://www.miragenews.com/counterfeit-money-circulating-and-charges-laid-1525060/
RBA Banknotes: Security Features Overview
Cited text: Australia has one of the lowest rates of counterfeiting in the world.
Excerpt: Australia has one of the lowest rates of counterfeiting in the world
https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/security-features-overview/
Banknotes | Reserve Bank of Australia Annual Report—October 2022 | RBA
Cited text: In 2021/22, around 12,000 counterfeits, with a nominal value of $900,000, were detected in circulation. This corresponds to a counterfeiting rate of a...
Excerpt: In 2021/22, around 12,000 counterfeits, with a nominal value of $900,000, were detected in circulation, corresponding to a counterfeiting rate of around six counterfeits detected per million genuine banknotes in circulation
https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/annual-reports/rba/2022/banknotes.html
RBA Banknotes: Security Features Overview
Cited text: Most people will never see a counterfeit.
Excerpt: most people will never see a counterfeit
https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/security-features-overview/
Recent Trends in Banknote Counterfeiting | Bulletin—June 2022 | RBA
Cited text: In recent times, the quality of counterfeits has fallen and is now at its lowest level in a decade (Graph 5). The risk of accepting a counterfeit has ...
Excerpt: the quality of counterfeits has fallen and is now at its lowest level in a decade, meaning the risk of accepting a counterfeit has decreased, as low-quality counterfeits are more easily identified
https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2022/jun/recent-trends-in-banknote-counterfeiting.html
Counterfeit Money Circulating And Charges Laid | Mirage News
Cited text: Counterfeit notes circulating may appear legitimate at first glance, however, some have the word 'PROPS' printed on them.
Excerpt: The counterfeit notes circulating in Tasmania may appear legitimate at first glance, however, some have the word 'PROPS' printed on them
https://www.miragenews.com/counterfeit-money-circulating-and-charges-laid-1525060/
Counterfeit currency circulating Canberra | ACT Policing
Cited text: “Often the counterfeit currency has COPY or PROP written on the banknote in small letters and they lack the key security features of legitimate cash,”...
Excerpt: counterfeit currency often has COPY or PROP written on the banknote in small letters and they lack the key security features of legitimate cash
https://police.act.gov.au/news/2025-media-releases/august/counterfeit-currency-circulating-canberra
RBA Banknotes: Security Features Overview
Cited text: Most counterfeits in Australia are printed on paper, not plastic. This means they will tear easily compared to our genuine banknotes. Also, our genuin...
Excerpt: Most counterfeits in Australia are printed on paper, not plastic. This means they will tear easily compared to our genuine banknotes.
https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/security-features-overview/
Seniors top scammers’ hit list—National Seniors Australia
Cited text: Older people suffered the greatest harm at the hands of scammers. Losses for people over the age of 65 increased by 13.3 per cent in 2023 to $120 million.
Excerpt: Older people suffered the greatest harm at the hands of scammers, with losses for people over the age of 65 increasing by 13.3 per cent in 2023 to $120 million
https://nationalseniors.com.au/news/latest-news/seniors-top-scammers-hit-list
Common Scams That Target The Elderly—Australian Carers Guide
Cited text: Often older Australians have more money and accumulated wealth than younger people, making them an attractive target for a scammer.
Excerpt: Often older Australians have more money and accumulated wealth than younger people, making them an attractive target for a scammer
https://australiancarersguide.com.au/common-scams-that-target-the-elderly/
Common Scams That Target The Elderly—Australian Carers Guide
Cited text: Older Australians may also be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology.
Excerpt: older Australians may also be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology
https://australiancarersguide.com.au/common-scams-that-target-the-elderly/
Scams are affecting senior Australians more than any other age group | CHOICE
Cited text: 'Sadly, scammers take advantage of some older people's lack of technology knowledge and experience, as well as other vulnerabilities including lonelin...
Excerpt: Scammers take advantage of some older people's lack of technology knowledge and experience, as well as other vulnerabilities including loneliness
https://www.choice.com.au/health-an...t/articles/scams-affecting-senior-australians
RBA Banknotes: Counterfeit Detection Guide
Cited text: You are well within your rights to refuse to accept a banknote if you have concerns about it. Under no circumstances should you take actions that may ...
Excerpt: You are well within your rights to refuse to accept a banknote if you have concerns about it.
https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/counterfeit-detection-guide/
RBA Banknotes: Counterfeit Detection Guide
Cited text: It is important to note that counterfeits have no value—you will not be reimbursed.
Excerpt: counterfeits have no value—you will not be reimbursed
https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/counterfeit-detection-guide/
Counterfeit currency circulating Canberra | ACT Policing
Cited text: Offenders have targeted a variety of businesses using larger banknote denominations of either $50 or $100. The offenders often use the fake notes to p...
Excerpt: offenders have targeted a variety of businesses using larger banknote denominations of either $50 or $100, often using the fake notes to purchase low value items—receiving the balance in legitimate notes
https://police.act.gov.au/news/2025-media-releases/august/counterfeit-currency-circulating-canberra
Counterfeit currency circulating Canberra | ACT Policing
Cited text: Police have also received reports of the counterfeit currency being used to purchase items on Facebook marketplace.
Excerpt: Police have also received reports of the counterfeit currency being used to purchase items on Facebook marketplace
https://police.act.gov.au/news/2025-media-releases/august/counterfeit-currency-circulating-canberra
Recent Trends in Banknote Counterfeiting | Bulletin—June 2022 | RBA
Cited text: Counterfeiting of Australian banknotes is approaching its lowest level in a decade.
Excerpt: counterfeiting of Australian banknotes is approaching its lowest level in a decade
https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2022/jun/recent-trends-in-banknote-counterfeiting.html
RBA Banknotes: Security Features Overview
Cited text: To determine if a suspect banknote is a counterfeit, it is best to compare it with a banknote that is known to be genuine.
Excerpt: To determine if a suspect banknote is a counterfeit, it is best to compare it with a banknote that is known to be genuine
https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/security-features-overview/
Making or Using Counterfeit Money Offences & Defences in NSW—Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia
Cited text: Tasmania Police addressed the matter, advising in a statement that all businesses and staff were “urged to be vigilant when accepting money and to che...
Excerpt: Tasmania Police have advised that all businesses and staff were 'urged to be vigilant when accepting money and to check notes are real, especially $50 and $100'
https://www.criminaldefencelawyers....g-counterfeit-money-offences-defences-in-nsw/
Seniors Discount Club
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