Police are warning members of the public to be on alert after counterfeit cash was reported circulating in Ballina.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District were alerted after fake $50 and $100 notes were handed to local businesses in September.

The images published in this story were taken after the counterfeit $100 notes were picked up and identified by an eagle-eyed manager at the Henry Rous Hotel on River Street.

The notes were later handed in to police, and inquiries are underway.

In the main image (above), the fake note is on the left.

How to spot a counterfeit note

NSW Police advise businesses and shoppers to check carefully for key security features:

• Feel the note – genuine currency is printed on special polymer and is difficult to tear.
  
• Look to the light – a watermark of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen near the clear window or denomination numeral.
  
• Raised print – the main design has slightly raised ink.
  
• Seven-pointed star – visible inside a circle when held up.
  
• Clear window – the $50 shows the Southern Cross and the $100 features a lyrebird.
  
• Background printing – sharp, well-defined patterns with no blurring.
  
• UV check – serial numbers can be seen under ultraviolet light.
  

What to do

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.  All reports are confidential.