Police are warning members of the public to be on alert after counterfeit cash has been reported being handed to businesses in the Ballina area.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District were alerted after counterfeit $50 and $100 notes were handed to businesses in Ballina in September 2025.

Officers have seized the notes, and inquiries are now underway.

Tips from NSW Police to spot a counterfeit note include:

• Feel the note – a genuine note is printed on special plastic polymer and is difficult to tear
• Hold the note to the light and look for the Australian Coat of Arms. This is generally located to the left of the clear window, or denomination numeral when looking at the front of the note.
• Feel for slightly raised printing on the main design of the note
• Look for the seven-pointed star inside a circle
• Compare the background printing - look for any distortions or less clearly defined patterns.
• Check that the note has a clear window and that it has a clear printed image: $50 has the Southern Cross and the $100 has the lyrebird.
• If possible, look under a UV light to locate the serial numbers

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.