Police have issued an urgent warning to Aussies to be a wary of fake bank notes being circulated across southern Tasmania.

Counterfeit $100 notes have been found in Hobart and neighbouring suburbs Glenorchy and Bellerive.

The fake notes have several key details that can be easily spotted.

‘While people might not notice at first glance, the notes have words such as ‘this is not legal tender’ written on them, and the usually clear plastic element is black and not transparent,’ Inspector Klug Jason explained.

‘Please be aware that these notes are circulating and check that the cash you are handling is legitimate.’

The feel of a fake banknote can also be an indicator of the whether it is real or not.

‘When handling cash, should check notes for any inconsistencies such as this before accepting them as payment,’ Inspector Klug said.

Fake $100 notes (pictured)  are being circulated across Hobart

Another way to spot counterfeit money is that it may be thicker or thinner than a genuine banknote and appear differently when held against a light source.

The Australian Coat of Arms appears near the top right of a real $100 note when it is held against light and diamond-shaped patterns appear on both sides.

The ‘window’ of a banknote should be transparent with patterns printed inside of it. 

Money that has been printed by scammers sometimes also has raised ink which can be felt by a finger, unlike real currency which is completely smooth. 

 

They have the words ‘this is not legal tender’ printed in fine print on the bottom of the bill

Real $100 notes have a transparent ‘window’ which reveals patterns when held against light and do not have any writing at the bottom 

Businesses which have been handed fake money have abeen urged to provide all related evidence to police, including CCTV footage.

Anyone who has come across fake notes to report it to the police or Crime Stoppers.