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Spot the difference: Businesses warned of rise of counterfeit notes

By Jemma Jones

Jan 28, 2026

Can you spot the difference in these bank notes? Photo by Contributed

Local Echuca businesses are urging extra vigilance after several fake banknotes were discovered in cash registers across the town.

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A High St business told the Riv it accidentally accepted a $100 counterfeit note this month, and warned other businesses to be careful.

The problem isn't isolated to Echuca, with small businesses throughout the Campaspe region and Shepparton also falling victim to fake currency in recent weeks.

Echuca police said the counterfeit notes were usually in denominations of $50 and $100.

All denominations of Australian money have similar security features, which can be used to determine if a banknote is real.

Genuine banknotes display a distinctive colour-changing effect when tilted, and certain sections will glow under ultraviolet light.

Answers to our spot the difference challenge: The green is darker, it has 'PROPS' written on the bottom right corner, there is a '100' missing in the lyrebird window and the font isn’t clear. Photo by Contributed

Community members who encounter suspected counterfeit currency should immediately report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through crimestoppersvic.com.au

Alternatively, counterfeit money can be handed in to the Echuca police station.

For more information on how to detect phoney money, head to the Reserve Bank of Australia website at banknotes.rba.gov.au