Omari Gates
Creating counterfeit currency is illegal in Australia, and if caught, the counterfeiter can be prosecuted under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981. However, despite the risks, counterfeiters continue to produce fake Australian notes, taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. In this discussion, we will delve into the illicit practice of counterfeiting Australian notes, exploring the methods employed by counterfeiters and the security features that can help identify these fraudulent notes. By raising awareness of this issue, we aim to empower individuals to detect and avoid becoming victims of counterfeit currency circulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Counterfeit notes are usually made of paper and will tear easily, whereas genuine notes are made of plastic. |
| Crumple | Counterfeit notes will crumple more easily than genuine notes. |
| Clear window | Counterfeit notes may have a clear window that looks stuck on, whereas a genuine note will have a clear window that is continuous with the rest of the note. |
| Cloudiness | A counterfeit note's window may be cloudy, whereas a genuine note will have a clear window. |
| Image | A counterfeit note may have a white image that can be rubbed off, whereas a genuine note will have a clear, embedded image. |
| Star | A counterfeit note may not have the four seven-pointed stars and a single, smaller five-pointed star of the Southern Cross. |
| Diamond pattern | A counterfeit note may not have the diamond-shaped patterns that combine to form a seven-pointed star inside a circle. |
| Coat of Arms | A counterfeit note may not have the Australian Coat of Arms visible when held up to the light. |
| Raised printing | A counterfeit note may not have raised intaglio printing that can be felt by running a finger over the portrait and numeral. |
| Micro-printing | A counterfeit note may not have micro-printing, which is very small text that can usually only be read with a magnifying glass. |
| Serial numbers | A counterfeit note's serial numbers may not glow under ultraviolet light. |
| Signatures | A counterfeit note may not have the Governor's signature printed above that of the Secretary to the Treasury. |
| Year | A counterfeit note may not have the year it was printed indicated by the first two numerals of the serial number. |
What You'll Learn
Knowingly possessing counterfeit currency is an offence
It is important to understand that knowingly possessing counterfeit currency is an offence. This applies not only to Australian currency but also to currency from any other country. Banknotes and coins that imitate Australian currency are considered counterfeit, including replicas and products made to resemble genuine Australian money.
If you find yourself in possession of what you believe to be counterfeit Australian currency, it is essential to handle it with extreme care and minimal contact. Place the suspected counterfeit note or coin in a secure location, such as an envelope. Take note of any relevant details, including how the counterfeit currency came into your possession. You have the right to refuse to accept a banknote if you suspect it is counterfeit, as long as it does not compromise your safety or that of others.
Reporting the suspected counterfeit currency to the appropriate authorities is crucial. In Australia, you can report it to the local police or the Australian Federal Police (AFP) by completing a "Suspect Counterfeit Banknote Form." This form allows you to provide details about the circumstances under which you received the counterfeit money. Send the completed form along with the suspected counterfeit currency via registered mail to the AFP address provided on the form.
It is worth noting that if you become aware that you possess counterfeit currency, you should not intentionally continue to possess it. You have a responsibility to surrender it to a member of the Australian Federal Police, the police force of a State or Territory, or any other authorised person as soon as practicable. Failure to do so with the intent to defraud is considered an offence.
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How to identify counterfeit notes
To identify counterfeit Australian notes, it is important to be aware of the security features included in genuine Australian banknotes. Here are several ways to determine whether an Australian banknote is counterfeit:
Feel the Texture
Australian banknotes are printed using intaglio printing, a form of raised printing that gives the portrait and the numeral a distinct texture. Run your finger over these areas to feel the raised texture.
Inspect the Design
The stars of the Southern Cross, consisting of four seven-pointed stars and a single, smaller five-pointed star, should be clearly printed on the banknote. The diamond-shaped patterns on each side of the banknote should align perfectly to form a seven-pointed star within a circle when held up to the light. Additionally, the Australian Coat of Arms should be visible as a shadow image.
Check the Material
Genuine Australian banknotes are made of plastic, which makes them more durable than counterfeit notes printed on paper. Counterfeit notes will tear more easily and crumple differently from genuine notes.
Examine the Window
Australian banknotes feature a clear window that is seamlessly integrated into the note. Make sure the window doesn't appear to be stuck or joined on, and ensure it is clear rather than cloudy. There should also be a white image incorporated into the window, such as the Southern Cross on the $50 banknote.
Use a UV Light
The fluorescent security features on genuine Australian banknotes will glow under ultraviolet light. Additionally, the serial numbers on the banknotes should be visible and glowing.
Verify the Serial Number
The serial number on the banknote can provide information about its printing year. The first two numerals indicate the year of printing. For example, "99" means the banknote was printed in 1999, while "03" indicates printing in 2003.
Compare with a Genuine Banknote
If you suspect a banknote is counterfeit, compare it with a banknote that you know to be genuine. Look for differences in the design, texture, and overall appearance.
If you come across a banknote that you suspect is counterfeit, it is important to handle it as little as possible and store it safely in an envelope. Take note of any relevant information, such as how the suspected counterfeit note came into your possession. Report the matter to the local or federal police by completing a "Suspect Counterfeit Banknote Form." Remember that you have the right to refuse to accept a banknote if you have concerns about its authenticity.
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What to do if you suspect a counterfeit note
If you suspect that you have received a counterfeit Australian note, it is important to remain calm and follow these steps:
Firstly, handle the suspected counterfeit note as little as possible. It is recommended to store it safely in an envelope to avoid tampering with any potential evidence. You should also take note of any relevant information, such as how the suspected counterfeit note came into your possession. This information can be crucial for any potential investigation.
Secondly, compare the suspected counterfeit note with a banknote that is known to be genuine. You can look for security features that are typically included in Australian banknotes, such as a clear window, a seven-pointed star, and the Australian Coat of Arms when held up to the light. You can also use a UV light to check for fluorescent features, or tilt the note to see if there is a rolling colour effect and if the bird's wings move and change colour.
Once you have safely stored the suspected counterfeit note and gathered relevant information, you should report it to the local police or the Australian Federal Police. You can do this by completing a "Suspect Counterfeit Banknote Form", which can be found on the AFP's website. Be sure to include as many details as possible about the circumstances under which you received the suspected counterfeit note. Send the completed form, along with the suspected counterfeit note, via registered mail to the AFP address listed on the form.
It is important to remember that it is within your rights to refuse to accept a banknote if you have concerns that it is counterfeit. Additionally, counterfeiting is a serious offence, and possessing counterfeit banknotes knowingly is illegal. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a banknote, it is always best to follow the steps outlined above to ensure your safety and compliance with the law.
For counterfeit coins, you can contact the Australian Federal Police for guidance.
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Security features of Australian notes
Australian banknotes are among the safest in the world, owing to their unique security features. Firstly, they are printed on polymer, a type of plastic, which gives them a distinctive feel. Polymer banknotes were specifically developed to make currency more difficult to counterfeit. The polymer substrate contains several film layers created using a 'bubble' process, where clear plastic beads are melted down and blown into a large bubble. This process orients the polymer molecules by stretching the film in both length and width. The substrate used for Australian banknotes is a unique polypropylene material that is not commercially available.
Secondly, each denomination of Australian banknotes has a small, clear window with several security features. The window should be an integral part of the banknote, not appearing stuck on or joined. It should be clear, not cloudy, and the white image printed on it should not be easily rubbed off. The window may also contain a number of optical security features, such as a three-dimensional image with a colourful border or a bird that appears to move its wings when the banknote is tilted.
Thirdly, when a genuine banknote is held up to the light, the Australian Coat of Arms should be visible under the print, created by variations in the background printing. Multi-coloured and multi-directional fine-line patterns appear on each side of the banknote, and these should be very sharp under magnification. Tiny, clearly defined words are printed in the top left corner of the $5 banknote, and near the portraits on other denominations, which can usually only be read with a magnifying glass.
Finally, the serial numbers of Australian banknotes should fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light, and a rectangular patch showing the value becomes visible on the $20, $50, and $100 banknotes, while a square patch appears on the $5 banknote. The use of UV fluorescent ink is a common security feature in modern banknotes.
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How to report counterfeit notes to the police
If you suspect that you have a counterfeit Australian banknote, you can refuse to accept it as long as it is safe to do so. If you have come across a counterfeit note, you should handle it as little as possible and store it in an envelope. Note down any relevant information, such as how it came into your possession. Report the matter to your state or territory police and lodge a report. You can also send the suspected counterfeit currency along with a completed suspect counterfeit banknote form to the Australian Federal Police via registered mail.
If the suspected counterfeit currency is deemed to be genuine, you will receive full value for it. If it is found to be counterfeit, you will not be reimbursed. It is an offence to knowingly possess counterfeit currency. After processing, you can request a property receipt for the counterfeit currency. Counterfeit currency is held for 90 days and then destroyed by the RBA, which is the only authorised body to do so.
If you need help preparing a media release about counterfeit currency, you can contact the RBA by calling +61 2 9551 9830 or emailing [email protected]. If you suspect that you have a counterfeit traveller's cheque, you can contact your state or territory police or report the matter to the relevant issuing authority.
For information about counterfeit coins, contact the Australian Federal Police.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to note that counterfeiting is illegal and you will not be reimbursed for any counterfeit money you create. To make counterfeit Australian notes, you will need to acquire the appropriate paper—this should be thin rag paper made from cotton and linen fibres, which can be found at most office supply stores. You will then need to reproduce security marks and watermarks, and imprint the notes with offset techniques. Finally, you will need to number the bills, making sure to use the correct year code.
To make your counterfeit Australian notes look as real as possible, try to find paper that includes tiny blue and red fibres, as this is used in real money. The paper should also be thin and have a special crispness, which can be achieved by squeezing it with thousands of pounds of pressure during the printing process. Remember that the feel of the money is very important, so try to avoid using normal printer paper.
To avoid getting caught, you should try to reproduce the security marks and watermarks as accurately as possible. Make sure the paper has a raised ink texture and that the colour-shifting ink looks authentic. Be aware that older bills and bills of larger denominations may be seen as more suspicious. Also, remember that counterfeiting is a serious crime and there are resources in place to detect and prevent it.
Counterfeiting is illegal in Australia and can result in serious consequences. If you are caught, you will need to report the matter immediately to the State or Federal police and you may be subject to criminal charges. It is also important to note that counterfeits have no value and you will not be reimbursed for any counterfeit money you create.
