Tasmania Police has issued a warning to businesses in the greater Hobart area following reports of a number of counterfeit $50 notes circulating.

The notes are distinctively fake and have apparent Chinese characters printed on both sides.  Police are reviewing CCTV footage at a number of businesses to identify suspects.

The volume of the transactions is not large, in most cases with only one fake note being passed per transaction.

Police are asking business, particularly businesses that operate in regular cash transactions to be vigilant in checking the authenticity of notes tendered to them by members of the public.

Two images of seized fake notes have been authorised for release so as to raise public awareness.

Where fake notes are identified they should be retained and Tasmania Police contacted to report the matter.

Anyone with information relating to the counterfeit notes should call Hobart CIB on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au

The RBA website gives you further information on security features of the Australian currency and also outlines steps to take should you suspect you have been given or have a counterfeit note.

Most importantly ensure you check your bank notes, particularly $50 notes if you think you have a counterfeit note contact the Australian Federal Police and ensure you do the following:

• handle the suspect banknote as little as possible and store it in an envelope  check your CCTV if you know who presented the notes and supply a copy of your CCTV to police when reporting the matter
• note any relevant information, such as how it came into your possession, a description of the person who passed it, any companion(s) and any vehicle used.
• complete the online Suspect Counterfeit Banknote Submission Form located on the AFP.gov.au website.