Police are appealing for the public to be vigilant as they investigate reports of counterfeit currency being used to purchase goods in the Goulburn area in the last two weeks.

Officers attached to The Hume Local Area Command have received reports of counterfeit notes being passed onto two businesses over the past 12 days.

Police are urging all local business owners to be vigilant when receiving $50 notes as payment.

Australia’s banknotes have a range of security features that can be used to check if they are genuine.

Those who come into contact with suspicious notes are asked to handle the note as little as possible and store it in an envelope.

They are asked to note down any identifying features such as personal descriptions and vehicles used by them, and promptly notify police.

Anyone with any information about the use of counterfeit notes in the Goulburn area is asked to contact local police via (02) 4824 0799 or via Crime Stoppers.

For more information about security features and what to do with counterfeit banknotes visit the Reserve Bank of Australia’s website at www.banknotes.rba.gov.au.