Businesses and residents alike are being advised to check their paper currency as it is possible the notes are still circulating. 

Although word spread quickly about the potential fraud, a number of shops fell victim during the Saturday rush.

Police say businesses including Target, IGA, Best & Less, a newsagency, McDonald’s, Woolworths supermarket and Woolworths service station all reported receiving the notes.

Sharon Sheehan from Sheehan Sunnyside Bakery & Cafe was just one of many to fall victim to the fraudulent notes.

She said she thought they were impressive copies.

“When you are at the counter if you’re busy you wouldn’t have noticed,” sge said

“We didn’t at the time, it was when we were counting at the end of the day,” she said.

She said people should look out for $50 notes that were darker in colour and easily ripped.

“Try to tear. If you can tear it it’s probably not real”.

Detective Sergeant Damian Nott urged residents to take extra caution when dealing with $50 notes.

Although easily mistaken if in a hurry, he said the notes were obviously fraudulent on closer attention.

Most notably they lacked the distinctive feel of a regular $50 note. 

 The clear window in the corner of the note was not embossed and appears as an addition to the note. 

Enquiries are continuing and police are asking any local businesses to be observant when handling money and if anything looks suspicious to contact local police.

 There are no suspects at this stage.