A Launceston business owner has been stung by a fake $50 note this week.
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Elphin Continental Cakes owner Peter Elliott said the note was not detected until he tried to deposit it at the bank.
“I just want to put it out there because I don’t want other people to get caught out,” he said.
The counterfeit note felt similar to a new note and was almost identical in width, but the window only had four stars, instead of the complete Southern Cross and the note was slightly faded.
A genuine note should have the Australian Coat of Arms and a seven-pointed star.
Check the notes texture and thickness by comparing it to another note.
Fake notes may feel thicker or thinner and could be made of plastic.
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While this was the first fake note Mr Elliott had found in his 34 years operating the business, he said finding several counterfeit notes could be detrimental for small businesses.
“If you get 10 of them it is $500, so that’s a lot of cakes you’d need to make to make it up,” he said.
“If you get too many, you’re getting nothing for your money.”
Mr Elliot hoped other small business owners would see the note and it might prevent them from getting caught out.
“People need to be aware that there should be five stars not four,” he said.
Counterfeit notes should be handled as little as possible and placed into an envelope and then handed to police.
Information about counterfeit money should be reported to Tasmania Police on 131 444, or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.