What To Do With Suspect Banknotes

See Counterfeit Detection Guide for how to check the security features on your banknote.

The following information is for law enforcement personnel, if you are a member of the public or a cash-handler please see Suspect Banknotes to learn the steps you should take should you come across a banknote that you suspect is counterfeit.

Non-evidentiary counterfeits

If you have in your possession a suspected counterfeit banknote that is not the subject of a criminal investigation or prosecution, fill out a suspect counterfeit banknote submission form, and send it, along with the suspected counterfeit banknote(s), via registered mail to the Australian Federal Police Currency Team postal address:

Australian Federal Police Currency Team
Locked Bag 4817
Somerton VIC 3062

A property receipt will be forwarded to your property office once the property is received. These counterfeits will be held for a period of 90 days and then will be destroyed.

If you have received a suspect banknote from a member of the public, it is important to note that if the banknote is found to be counterfeit, the person will not be reimbursed the value of the banknote. If, however, the banknote is found to be genuine, the banknote will be returned to you, to pass on to the member of the public.

Evidentiary Counterfeits

Any evidence related to counterfeit currency that is seized (i.e. counterfeits, material or equipment connected to the production of counterfeits such as printers, tools, paper, etc.), may be retained for 90 days after the seizure. If a prosecution for an offence against the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 is instituted before that date, then the evidence can be retained. Qualified Reserve Bank Counterfeit Examiners are able to provide expert witness statements if required.

Law enforcement agencies requiring expert witness statements for court should contact the Australian Federal Police. As part of the process a suspect counterfeit banknote submission form must be completed and submitted to the AFP along with the relevant evidence. All associated evidence will be returned upon completion of the statement. If a Reserve Bank Counterfeit Examiner is required to attend court, a witness summons or subpoena must be provided no less than 10 business days prior to the scheduled appearance.

Following a successful prosecution and where the court is satisfied that the evidence is forfeited under section 29 of the Crimes (Currency) Act, a condemnation order should be sought for the disposal of the evidence. The evidence, together with a copy of the order, should then be sent to the AFP Currency Team who will coordinate their destruction in accordance with the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981.

The evidence, together with a copy of the order, should then be sent to the AFP Currency Team who will coordinate their destruction in accordance with the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981. A property receipt will be issued once the counterfeits are received.

Destruction of Counterfeit Banknotes

The Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 details how counterfeit currency can be destroyed, including authorised people who can destroy counterfeit currency. If you have counterfeits that are not evidentiary, or no longer, required for court, send them to the AFP Currency Team (details below) who will coordinate their destruction in accordance with the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981.

Australian Federal Police Currency Team contact details

Phone: (03) 9303 0236
Email: currency@afp.gov.au

Address:
Australian Federal Police
Locked Bag 4817
Somerton VIC 3062

Counterfeit coins

For information about counterfeit coins, contact the Australian Federal Police.