South Auckland police say counterfeit money circulating in the community is a bigger problem than in earlier years.
Acting Detective Sergeant Mike Freeman with a counterfeit $20 note. Photo: NZ POLICE
They have put out a warning for shoppers and businesses to look for fake currency. Most of the fake cash being found is $50 and $100 notes.
Detective Sergeant Simon Beal from the financial investigation unit said on Friday there has been a slight increase in the number of notes found.
"They're not that sophisticated - genuine currency has a number of security features," Mr Beal said.
"They're made of a polymer which is quite tough, quite difficult to tear, and is also water-resistant ... (fake) paper notes will be easier to tear, won't be water-resistant, and will get damp" .
The fake money has been discovered at various businesses throughout Counties Manukau, and similar problems identified throughout greater Auckland and the rest of the country.
Police said that knowingly passing a counterfeit note was a crime, and potentially punishable by a lengthy prison term.
They asked any person or business who thinks they have fake notes to contact them immediately.
