The warning from Australian Federal Police (AFP) follows an increase in the importation of what is referred to as ‘joss paper’ and Chinese Training Notes, printed to resemble Australian banknotes.
AFP detective superintendent Jayne Crossling said a number of shipments of joss paper – used in Hell Bank Money ceremonies and Chinese Lunar New Year festivities – with a face value of more than $17.3 million, had been seized by both state and federal authorities since 2014.
“The differences between imitation notes used in these celebrations and Australian currency may appear obvious to most, however we’ve seen over $500,000 (face value) of joss paper, which appears to replicate Australian currency, passed through an assortment of retailers, licensed venues and family run businesses over this same period,” she said.
“We are reminding the public to be aware of the security features that are present on all genuine Australian banknotes and help to determine if it is real currency. Australian currency is also made from more durable materials, specifically polymer, compared to paper based currencies that these fake notes usually consist of.
“If a member of the public believes they have been victim of such offences, we encourage them to report it to local or federal authorities.”
