News

Kyabram police warn of surge in counterfeit $50 notes

By Jemma Jones

Jan 13, 2026

Funny money is floating around Kyabram again. Here is how you can avoid getting duped.

Police are advising residents and businesses to be wary of counterfeit money that has been circulating in Kyabram in recent days.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Kyabram police Acting Sergeant Russell Locke has warned of a concerning surge in counterfeit $50 notes appearing throughout the town.

Sgt Locke urged residents to “check your money” before using it at businesses.

He said the notes that had been passed in usually had the words ‘prop’ or ‘copy’ written in the right corner and were usually a darker colour than the real notes.

This issue extends beyond Kyabram, with counterfeit currency affecting small businesses across Echuca and Rochester over recent months.

All denominations of Australian money have similar security features, which can be used to determine if a banknote is real.

Tilting a real banknote will reveal a rolling colour effect, while part of a real note will fluoresce under UV light.

Community members who encounter suspected counterfeit currency should immediately report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through crimestoppersvic.com.au

Alternatively, counterfeit money can be handed in to the Kyabram Police Station.

For more information on how to detect phoney money, head to the Reserve Bank of Australia website at banknotes.rba.gov.au