David Gao posted this picture to illustrate the forgeries
Kelly Bouzaid
Two Cambridge businesses have fallen victim to an unsophisticated banknote counterfeiter.
David Gao of Happy Days Takeaway discovered $100 and $50 bills in his takings and took to social media to warn others to be on the lookout.
And Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said she was aware of another business who also got dud notes through the till but did not want to be identified.
“It is a further blow to hard times in retailing currently,” she said.
Waikato Police area prevention manager Senior Sergeant David Hall said the counterfeiting ruse had been reported to them.
If retailers found a counterfeit banknote, he said the best thing to do was to put it in an envelope to avoid handling it further and contact the police.
Minimising the number of fingers touching the notes means police can forensically examine them to detect the offender.
“Retailers affected by this behaviour are encouraged to retain any CCTV footage and take note of the number plate and type of vehicle involved, if possible,” he said.
It was an offence to be in possession of counterfeit banknotes or to pass them on.
In a message to retailers, Cambridge community constable Deb Thurgood said if someone was in the store trying to present a note, retailers should call 111.
“Remember that whether shoplifting or fake currency, offenders will go to other businesses in town and if we catch them at the first, we prevent further loss,” she said.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has clear guides outlining the security features of New Zealand banknotes and how to spot counterfeit notes.
Security features are the same on all denominations and businesses involved in handling money should be aware of security features within New Zealand banknotes.
Anyone with information about the manufacture or distribution of counterfeit banknotes is asked to contact Police on 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
