Police have charged two George Town men with possession and uttering of counterfeit $50 notes in Northern Tasmania.

A 22-year-old George Town man has been bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 23 August 2017 charged with Possessing and Uttering Counterfeit Money and Dishonestly Obtaining a Financial Advantage from a number of businesses in the Launceston and George Town areas.

A 43-year-old George Town man has been summonsed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court for possession of counterfeit money.

“Although we have charged two people our investigation into counterfeit money continues,” said Detective Senior Sergeant John Parker.

“Counterfeit notes continue to be circulated and the need for vigilance remains.”

The counterfeit $50 notes being circulated have the serial number HH 13863456 and a good likeness to the real note but are slightly smaller, a different weight, and the white stars in the clear window are of poor quality and appear to have been hand painted.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via email to crimestopperstas.com.au or phone 1800 333 000.

Please check your bank notes, particularly $50 notes, and if you think you have a suspect note:

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