The fake notes have been reported to Chifley Police District, with funny money also found in Lithgow over the past week.

Businesses have been advised to check any of notes they receive from customers and to contact police if they suspect any fakes.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

1. Is it plastic? A fake note may have a distinctly thicker or thinner feel to a real note. A genuine note is difficult to start to tear or scrunch up, if you crumple it in your hand it should spring back to normal.

2. Look for the coat of arms. If you hold the banknote up to a light, you should see the Australian Coat of Arms.

3. Look for the star. On both sides of a bank note there are diamond-shaped patterns inside a circle. If you hold it up to the light the patterns should form a seven-pointed star.

4. Check the clear window. The white on the window of a counterfeit note may be easily rubbed off, on a genuine note this does not happen. Each note has a different embossing, for example the $100 note as a picture of a lyrebird and ‘100’ in the window.

5. Feel the dark printing. The darker printing on real notes is produced using a special raised ink that can be felt with your finger.

6. Check print quality. The background printing should be sharp. Check for irregularities such as less clearly defined patterns, thicker or thinner lines, or colour differences.

7. Look for microprinting. Under a magnifying glass you will see tiny, clearly defined words. On a $100 note the words “one hundred dollars” and “100” can be found near the portrait.

8. Use a UV light. Most of the banknote should not fluoresce. The exceptions are the serial numbers, a patch on the $5 banknote and a patch on the $20, $50 and $100 banknotes that also shows the value.