Police received three reports within 24 hours on Monday and Tuesday of counterfeit $50 bills collected at two retail shops and one licensed premises in Young.

A third local retail shop informed police on Wednesday of counterfeit bills they received after they were alerted by their bank.

There was also a report given to Cowra Police of a $100 counterfeit bill coming out of Koorawatha.

“They do look genuine from a distance. They’re all on glossy paper which creases and tears easily,” Sergeant Paul Martyn said.

“We’re asking people if they receive a counterfeit bill to put it aside, hold onto it and give us a call.”

Police are investigating the incidents by viewing CCTV footage to identify offenders and are sending the bills off for forensic analysis.

Sergeant Martyn also warned the counterfeit money could be hidden in a bundle of bills, as was the case with a number of incidents.

“If you’ve received a bundle of bills, go through them because they’ve been hiding them inside, especially 50s,” he said.

Call Young Police on 6382 8199 if you suspect you’ve received counterfeit bills.