The Northern Territory Police Force is encouraging retailers and the community to be vigilant for potential counterfeit $50 and $100 notes circulating in the Northern Territory.

Police have seen a recent rise in the number of seizures from attempted importations, personal possession, and use of fake $50 and $100 notes at businesses across the Territory, with police seizing the equivalent of $19,000 in counterfeit currency since September 2025.

NTPF Financial Crimes Section Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Timothy Gardiner said, “The latest seized counterfeit currencies appear to be reasonable quality with the main indicator that it’s fake, being the word “PROPS” printed in small text on one side of each note. 

"Individuals attempting to pass these notes off, often try to make small purchases to change the notes for legitimate currency or hide them amongst legitimate notes when making larger payments. I encourage all retailers to be vigilant and if you suspect a note is fake, so long as it’s safe to do so, don’t accept it.

"If you believe you have been given counterfeit currency, handle it as little as possible and store it in an envelope, record details of how it came to you and notify police via 131 444. Alternatively, if you know someone in possession of counterfeit currency you can make an anonymous report to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Offences relating to the making, importing, buying, selling, possessing or using counterfeit Australian currency are indictable offences under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 and carry maximum penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.

More information relating to detecting counterfeit currency can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia website: RBA Banknotes: Counterfeit Detection Guide