ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Following the police bust earlier this month, Wellingtonians have been asked to stay cautious while dealing with notes during transactions, as the police fear that fakes notes might still be in circulation in wider Wellington.
After several complaints from six retailers who came across fake notes, the police raided a Hutt Valey property where they seized several printers and arrested three. The people caught are being charged with forged documents.
“This is just an opportunity where the offenders have used high-tech printers and have been able to produce a bank note that gives the appearance of being legitimate,” said Area Commander Chris Bensemann, as quoted by NZ Herald. Bensemann said that he was most concerned about $50 notes.
The Reserve Bank recently introduced new notes with upgraded features into circulation. However, since the old one is still being used, there are chances that retailers might come across a fake $50 note.
Bensemann added that it was “best not to rely on the feel of the notes”.
“Real notes are made out of polymer and can’t be ripped whereas the counterfeit notes that are being presented are made out of paper.
“In essence, if you can rip the bank note, then it’s definitely counterfeit money,” he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee has asked people to be vigilant about the fake notes circulating and has asked suspicious retailers to contact the police immediately. He had advised them to either refuse to accept the note or record the description of the person offering it. For retailers who have already received fake notes, the Sergeant has advised them put them aside in an envelope and inform the police.
How to identify a fake $50 note (old)
Following the police bust earlier this month, Wellingtonians have been asked to stay cautious while dealing with notes during transactions, as the police fear that fakes notes might still be in circulation in wider Wellington.
After several complaints from six retailers who came across fake notes,...
Following the police bust earlier this month, Wellingtonians have been asked to stay cautious while dealing with notes during transactions, as the police fear that fakes notes might still be in circulation in wider Wellington.
After several complaints from six retailers who came across fake notes, the police raided a Hutt Valey property where they seized several printers and arrested three. The people caught are being charged with forged documents.
“This is just an opportunity where the offenders have used high-tech printers and have been able to produce a bank note that gives the appearance of being legitimate,” said Area Commander Chris Bensemann, as quoted by NZ Herald. Bensemann said that he was most concerned about $50 notes.
The Reserve Bank recently introduced new notes with upgraded features into circulation. However, since the old one is still being used, there are chances that retailers might come across a fake $50 note.
Bensemann added that it was “best not to rely on the feel of the notes”.
“Real notes are made out of polymer and can’t be ripped whereas the counterfeit notes that are being presented are made out of paper.
“In essence, if you can rip the bank note, then it’s definitely counterfeit money,” he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee has asked people to be vigilant about the fake notes circulating and has asked suspicious retailers to contact the police immediately. He had advised them to either refuse to accept the note or record the description of the person offering it. For retailers who have already received fake notes, the Sergeant has advised them put them aside in an envelope and inform the police.
How to identify a fake $50 note (old)
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