Investigations were launched in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven this week after several businesses accepted the fakes. 

The notes will be seized by police.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the businesses will not be reimbursed and have effectively been robbed. 

A 34-year-old man arrested at Wollongong on Saturday for drug matters was found with about 12 of the counterfeit notes. 

On Tuesday a woman used the counterfeits to buy goods at a chemist in Nowra. She has since been charged.

Photographs provided by Shoalhaven Local Area Command show the fake notes could easily pass as genuine.

The colour (more yellow than gold), lesser-quality plastic and chipped printing are among the features that give them away. 

According to the Reserve Bank, Australian notes are printed on plastic that has a distinct feel an the ability to “spring back” after crumpling.

When held to the light, a genuine note will show the Australian Coat of Arms and diamond-shaped patterns will align to form a seven-pointed star.

Visit the Reserve Banks Counterfeit Detection Guide for further information on how to spot a fake banknote. 

Anyone who comes into contact with suspicious notes is asked to handle the note as little as possible and store it in an envelope. If possible, note down any identifying features of the person who handed it to them, and promptly notify police.