Police are warning businesses, especially in the Waitematā District to be on the lookout for counterfeit banknotes circulating in the area.

Businesses handling cash should be careful and double check the security features of any cash they receive as payment for goods.

Here are some security features to look for

• Check the hologram featuring a fern and map of New Zealand. This will also contain the same bird that is featured on the left-hand side of the banknote.
• Look for the numeral on the front and back of the bank note. There is microtext including “RBNZ” on the front.
• Check for ink runs (there should not be any).
• Hold it up to the light, check the watermark of the late Queen to the right of the feature portrait.
• Feel it – polymer banknotes have raised printing which can be felt.
• The notes are made of one piece of plastic and shouldn’t tear easily.
• Tilt it to see the colour of the bird change.

If anyone presents a counterfeit note, do not accept it and notify Police.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has clear guides outlining the security features of New Zealand banknotes and how to spot counterfeit notes including a downloadable PDF quick guide on their website https://bit.ly/3t1RRlQ

Call 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report any information about counterfeit money.