Australia's fake note problem reaches 8-year peak
Australia detected 40,613 counterfeit banknotes in the year to March, the highest rate since 2018.
Ninety-five per cent of the fake notes caught were $50 and $100 notes. The detection rate jumped 277% in just 15 months from December 2024.
The Australian Border Force warns that counterfeits are getting harder to spot and criminals are smuggling them in via air cargo and international mail. Businesses and people selling online have reported losses from unknowingly accepting fake cash.
Police across Australia are stepping up public warnings on how to check notes.
- 40,613 in 12 months to March
- Fake notes detected
- 277 percent in 15 months
- Detection rate surge
- 95 percent $50 and $100 notes
- Denominations caught
- June 2018
- Highest rate since
Why it mattersPeople and businesses risk significant loss from increasingly convincing counterfeit notes entering circulation.
AustraliaAustralians need to carefully check $50 and $100 notes; businesses should use detection tools; report suspected fakes to police or the Australian Federal Police.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 h ago
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