Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Sunday, 22 February 2009

Police warn Auckland retailers about counterfeit money

Auckland’s leading shopping precinct is telling its retailers and shoppers to be wary of very convincing counterfeit $50 notes after being warned by Police that more fake notes are likely to be in circulation undetected.

"A lot of counterfeit money can be easily detected but I understand to the average person not taking much notice these notes look and feel fine. We're encouraging retailers to look in their tills and importantly check out the $50 notes before they accept them. Unfortunately some innocent people may have these notes in their wallets,” says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

“Given the recessionary environment I think it’s fair to say we’ll be seeing more cases of counterfeit money. We haven’t seen a lot of counterfeit cases in the past few years. However a negative economy will see more people turning to desperate measures and trying their luck.

“These days the fraudsters have amazing computer technology on their side. Alarmingly, just about anything these days can be reproduced convincingly from the comfort of someone’s home. However the fraudsters struggle to replicate the clear panels layered into a note. In this case wary people should focus primarily on whether the panels look and feel authentic.  

"Local retailers are seemingly getting attacked on all fronts at the moment. If it’s not the recession, its road works, power cuts and now counterfeit cash. Life's tough enough for the retail sector without now giving away products in exchange for monopoly money. We're encouraging people to contact the police if they suspect notes are not authentic,” says Cameron Brewer.  

Newmarket Constable Tye Tahuriorangi is assigned to the case and can be contacted on (09) 524-4195.

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From: Wendy.Spiller@police.govt.nz [mailto:Wendy.Spiller@police.govt.nz]
Sent: Friday, 20 February 2009 1:16 p.m.
To: Cameron Brewer - Newmarket Business Association
Subject: Fw: Fake $50 Notes

Hi Cameron,

FYI and dissemination to your members there are counterfeit $50 notes circulating in the area.

At first the note appears to be authentic however the quickest way to tell is the right clear screen of the note.  Observe that the fake note has a star shaped outline whereas the authentic note has a wave like shaped outline.  The authentic note also has "50" imprinted on the clear transparent screen.

The clear screen on the right of the fake note will be rough as it has been applied on the outside of the note, whereas the authentic note is smooth with the clear surface and with 50 on it.  It's hard to see in this picture, but easy to familiarise the authenticity when observed closely and compared with an authetic note .  

The picture of the fern on the left side of the note will also show these characteristics - "rough edging"
When put against the light the obvious signs of the Queen will not show through the fake note.

This note was used in a store in Remuera.  

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