Wellington Police have arrested and charged three men relating to the possession and use of forged bank notes.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd said that all three men, who gave Auckland addresses, were arrested on 26 April 2010. The trio were found in possession of a small number of fake $50 and $100 bank notes. They were aged between 18 and 26.

"In addition to the fake currency located on the men, further counterfeit notes were seized from a Wellington premise".

Detective Sergeant Todd says there may still be fake bank notes in circulation and urges people to check before accepting them for payment or as change.

"These fake notes varied in colour and texture to legal tender notes. My advice to retailers is to ensure any $50 or $100 bank notes used to purchase low cost items are carefully checked to ensure they are the real thing."

Detective Sergeant Todd believes the men may have traveled from Auckland and used fake bank notes in other centres.

"Enquiries are continuing with Tauranga Police to establish if there are any links to the counterfeit $50 and $100 notes reportedly being used in the Western Bay of Plenty recently," he said.

The men will be reappearing in Wellington District Court on 17 May 2010.

Anyone with suspicious notes is asked to contact Wellington Police.