Fake $20 banknotes in circulation

Tauranga Police are warning local retailers that fake $20 NZ banknotes are once again being circulated in the Tauranga area and possibly further afield.

Police have been made aware of five notes used at a single Tauranga business over the past day or so. It is likely that other businesses have been similarly affected and targetted.

The notes Police have seen all bear the serial number AB06517051 and are a lighter shade of green than a genuine note. They are also identifiable in that a genuine note has, in the clear window, the denomination of the note whereas the forged notes have nothing but clear plastic.

Police are warning businesses dealing in large amounts of cash, particularly bars and the like, to be particularly vigilant when handling twenty dollar notes in particular.

Anyone having any information as to who is making and using these notes is asked to contact their local Police.