Police warn against counterfeit money as shoppers find fake $50 bills in circulation.

Attention all Australian shoppers! It's been brought to our attention that there have been reports of counterfeit $50 notes circulating in New South Wales. This has caused concern for businesses in the towns of Merimbula and Eden, located on the beautiful south coast of the state. The incidents occurred on New Year's Day, a time when many people are out and about, making purchases and enjoying the holiday break.

Upon receiving these fake notes, employees quickly noticed something was off. The transparent panel on the note seemed to be faulty, raising suspicion and prompting them to hand the cash over to the police for further investigation. It's not uncommon for plastic counterfeit currency to be thicker than genuine notes, but in this case, the fake bills were also made of poor quality paper.

The holiday season is a busy time for the NSW South Coast, with an influx of tourists from all over the state and country. With so many people coming and going, it's important to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings. As the saying goes, "better safe than sorry."

So, how can you spot a fake $50 note? First, take a moment to feel the note. Genuine currency is printed on special plastic polymer, making it difficult to tear. Next, hold the note up to the light and look for the Australian Coat of Arms. This emblem can usually be found to the left of the clear window or denomination numeral on the front of the note. Also, run your fingers over the design to feel for slightly raised printing. This is a common feature of real notes.

Another way to identify a fake is by comparing the background printing. Look for any distortions or patterns that are not clearly defined. And of course, don't forget to check the clear window. The $50 note should have an image of the Southern Cross, while the $100 note features a lyrebird. If possible, try to view the note under a UV light to see the serial numbers, as these can also be helpful in determining authenticity.

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