A legitimate bank note (bottom) feels like plastic and is difficult to tear, while a counterfeit bank note will hold its crumpled state if scrunched. Photo: RNZ / YITING LIN
Two arrests have been made in Waikato in recent weeks linked to fake banknotes.
Police said the first was made on 9 September when a 33-year-old man tried to use counterfeit notes at a number of stores.
They were of mixed quality - some passing the "tear test" - but most could be spotted as fakes due to "crudely cut or non-existent" hologram images.
He was remanded in custody, and will face charges of obtaining by deception and possessing forged bank notes when he appears in Hamilton District Court on 2 October.
The second suspect was arrested on Thursday night following a burglary on River Rd in Claudelands. The 38-year-old man was charged with burglary and possessing a forged bank note, and was due to appear in court on Friday.
The police statement on the cases came a day after a fake $100 note was found at a charity shop in Auckland on Thursday. A woman entered a shop on Remuera Road at about 2pm, police said, and purchased a few items with the fake note. It was only later that volunteers realised the money was counterfeit.
Auckland City east area prevention manager Inspector Rachel Dolheguy said retailers should take a look, feel and tilt approach to identifying genuine bank notes.
"To avoid falling victim to fake cash, we are asking retailers and the public to boost their knowledge around banknote security and report any fraudulent notes they come across," she said.
Dolheguy said retailers should not accept notes they believe could be fake.
"If you find you've already received a counterfeit note, put it in an envelope to avoid handling it further and get in touch with police."
