The Australian dollar (AUD) is one of the world’s most secure currencies, but counterfeit scams still exist. In this guide, we’ll explain how to spot fake Australian banknotes, break down security features by denomination, and show what steps to take if you suspect counterfeit cash.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia  and is globally recognized for its advanced design and security.
Australia was the first country to introduce polymer banknotes in 1988, making counterfeiting more difficult compared to paper-based currencies. Today, all denominations from the $5 to the $100 note are printed on polymer with a range of cutting-edge security features.
Australia pioneered the use of polymer substrate, a plastic-like material with several anti-counterfeit advantages:
Durability – Polymer notes last 2–3 times longer than paper notes.
Transparency – Allows for clear windows that can’t be easily reproduced.
Resistant to wear & tear – Notes stay cleaner and are harder to alter.
Eco-friendly – Longer lifespan means fewer notes in circulation, reducing environmental impact.
The Australian $5 note may be the lowest denomination, but it’s packed with high-tech security features that make it one of the hardest to counterfeit. Knowing these features helps you detect fake cash quickly and protect yourself from scams.
| Security Feature | How to Check | Counterfeit Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Top-to-Bottom Clear Window | Hold the note up to light. Transparent window runs the full height of the note. | Fake notes often use tape, printed strips, or windows that look dull. |
| Federation Star | Look inside the clear window; the star should appear sharp and complete. | Blurry, broken, or misaligned star shapes. |
| Eastern Spinebill Bird | Tilt the note; the bird moves and flaps its wings. | Static or badly printed image, no movement effect. |
| Reversing Number “5” | Inside the window, tilt the note; the number “5” changes direction. | Number stays fixed or looks like poor-quality print. |
| Raised Ink | Run fingers over the portrait and the large “5.” You should feel texture. | Smooth surface with no raised ink texture. |
| Microprinting | Use a magnifying glass; small sharp text is visible. | Blurred, smudged, or missing microtext. |
| UV Fluorescence | Under ultraviolet light, hidden elements glow. | Either no glow, or uneven glowing patterns. |
The Australian $10 polymer note carries portraits of Banjo Paterson and Dame Mary Gilmore. It includes multiple advanced security features that make counterfeiting very difficult. Here’s how to check if your $10 note is genuine
| Security Feature | How to Check | Counterfeit Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Top-to-Bottom Clear Window | Runs the full length of the note with multiple see-through elements. | Counterfeiters use tape or printed imitations; window often looks cloudy. |
| Reversing Number “10” | Inside the clear window, tilt the note; the number “10” changes direction. | Number appears fixed, blurred, or poorly aligned. |
| Flying Cockatoo | Tilt the note side to side; the bird appears to flap its wings. | Static image with no movement or shimmer effect. |
| Portraits & Microprinting | Banjo Paterson and Dame Mary Gilmore portraits feel textured; tiny text around. | Portraits smooth to the touch; microtext blurred or missing. |
| Raised Ink | Run your finger over large “10,” the RBA crest, and main portraits. | Flat, smooth surface without tactile elements. |
| Microtext from Literature | Excerpts from The Man from Snowy River and Dame Mary Gilmore’s poems appear under magnification. | Missing or fuzzy lettering in counterfeit copies. |
| UV Fluorescence | Hidden features glow under UV light. | Either nothing glows, or glow looks patchy/incorrect. |
The Australian $20 note features portraits of Mary Reibey (businesswoman and convict turned pioneer) and Reverend John Flynn (founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service). Printed on polymer, it includes multiple advanced anti-counterfeit features.
Here’s how to verify if your $20 banknote is genuine.
| Security Feature | How to Check | Counterfeit Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Top-to-Bottom Clear Window | Transparent window runs the length of the note with embedded dynamic features. | Window appears dull, cloudy, or is faked using tape/printed overlays. |
| Flying Book Image | Tilt the note; the image of a book appears to open and close. | Static image with no movement effect. |
| Holographic Birdwing Butterfly | In the clear window, tilt to see the butterfly shimmer and change position. | Butterfly looks flat, printed, or doesn’t move when tilted. |
| Portraits & Raised Ink | Mary Reibey and John Flynn portraits feel textured when touched. | Smooth surface with no tactile raised effect. |
| Microprinting | Tiny text from historical references visible under magnification. | Missing or blurry text on counterfeit copies. |
| Reversing Number “20” | Inside the clear window, tilt the note; the number “20” changes direction. | Number looks fixed or poorly aligned. |
| UV Fluorescence | Under ultraviolet light, hidden features glow in specific patterns. | No glowing effect, or incorrect glowing areas. |
The Australian $50 note features David Unaipon (Aboriginal writer & inventor) and Edith Cowan (Australia’s first female parliamentarian). While packed with polymer security features, scammers still target this note because of its wide use.
| Security Feature | How to Check | Counterfeit Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Top-to-Bottom Clear Window | Transparent window runs full height of the note with multiple secure elements. | Counterfeit notes often have dull, cloudy, or printed “fake” windows. |
| Flying Black Swan | Tilt the note; the black swan in the clear window appears to move as if flying. | No movement, flat/static image. |
| Reversing Number “50” | Inside the window, tilt the note; the number “50” flips direction. | Number looks fixed, blurred, or poorly copied. |
| Portraits & Raised Ink | Run your fingers over David Unaipon’s and Edith Cowan’s portraits, and the large “50.” | Surface feels smooth; no tactile raised effect. |
| Microprinting | Text from Unaipon’s writings & Cowan’s speeches visible under magnification. | Missing or fuzzy microtext. |
| Colorful Clear Window Features | Includes shield, stars, and other designs that shift when tilted. | Printed imitations with no shifting effects. |
| UV Fluorescence | Hidden features glow under ultraviolet light in specific patterns. | No glow, or incorrect glowing areas. |
The Australian $100 note features Sir John Monash (engineer & military leader) and Dame Nellie Melba (world-renowned soprano). Printed on polymer, the $100 is packed with advanced security features designed to defeat counterfeiters.
| Security Feature | How to Check | Counterfeit Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Top-to-Bottom Clear Window | Transparent window runs the full length of the note with multiple layered features. | Counterfeit notes often use fake overlays or dull, cloudy strips. |
| Flying Australian Masked Owl | Tilt the note; the owl in the clear window appears to flap its wings. | Static, flat, or poorly printed owl with no movement effect. |
| Reversing Number “100” | Inside the window, tilt the note; the number “100” flips back and forth. | Number remains fixed, blurry, or misaligned. |
| Portraits & Raised Ink | Run your finger over Monash’s and Melba’s portraits, and the large “100.” | Smooth texture; no tactile raised effect. |
| Microprinting | Excerpts from Melba’s music and Monash’s writings visible under magnification. | Missing or fuzzy text on counterfeit versions. |
| Dynamic Clear Window Features | Includes shield, stars, and Federation images that shift when tilted. | Printed imitation with no depth or shifting effect. |
| UV Fluorescence | Hidden patterns glow under ultraviolet light. | No glow, or incorrect glowing areas. |
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Counterfeit money in Australia is relatively rare thanks to advanced polymer banknotes issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). However, scammers still attempt to pass fake cash in clever ways. Knowing the most common counterfeit scams can help protect you, your business, and your community.
Despite Australia’s polymer notes, some counterfeiters still try using standard paper or low-quality plastic with photocopied designs.
How it works: Fraudsters print fake notes on regular paper and attempt to use them in fast-paced transactions (nightclubs, taxis, markets, etc.).
Red flags: Notes lack the clear polymer window, feel too soft, or colors look off.
One of the more sophisticated tricks involves “bleaching.”
How it works: Criminals take a genuine lower denomination note (e.g., $5 or $10), chemically remove the ink, and reprint it to look like a higher denomination (like $50 or $100).
Red flags: Polymer may feel thinner, and security features won’t match the denomination printed on the note.
This scam relies on confusing cashiers or busy staff.
How it works: A scammer pays with a counterfeit note during a rush and then requests multiple quick changes or swaps, distracting the cashier.
Red flags: Transactions that involve unnecessary changes of bills or customers pressuring staff to move quickly.
Counterfeit currency is sometimes sold illegally on the dark web or via shady social media accounts.
How it works: Scammers advertise fake “high-quality replicas” of AUD and mail them to buyers. Some victims even lose money without receiving anything.
Red flags: Any website or seller offering “replica” or “prop” AUD banknotes at a discount is illegal and fraudulent.
Large crowds and tourist-heavy areas are prime targets.
How it works: Fake notes are passed in busy venues like concerts, markets, or festivals where staff can’t carefully check every note.
Red flags: Transactions involving large bills for small purchases in high-traffic environments.
Local stores, restaurants, and small businesses are frequent targets.
How it works: Scammers deliberately use counterfeit notes at small businesses where staff may not have counterfeit detection tools.
Red flags: Customers insisting on paying large amounts in cash, especially late at night.
Don’t return the note to the scammer.
Compare it with a genuine note — check the clear window, raised ink, and moving features.
Handle carefully — place it in an envelope and avoid marking it.
Report it to your nearest police station.
While Australia’s polymer banknotes are among the most secure in the world, counterfeit scams still exist — especially involving $50 notes (the most counterfeited denomination). Staying informed about these scams helps individuals and businesses avoid losses and assist law enforcement in cracking down on counterfeit operations.
