Businesses and residents across Capalaba and surrounding Bayside suburbs are being urged to stay alert after counterfeit notes were used at multiple local shops.
Queensland Police have received 10 reports of fake $50 and $100 notes being passed at retail outlets across the region since late August. The affected areas include Capalaba, along with neighbouring suburbs Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Cleveland and Wynnum.
According to police, the counterfeit notes vary significantly in quality and have been printed on different materials including paper, plastic, and cardboard. Some fake currency even displays the word ‘COPY’ alongside various serial numbers.
Authorities say those attempting to use the counterfeit money often target businesses during peak trading periods when staff are busiest. In some instances, offenders have asked shop workers to exchange larger notes for smaller denominations.
Police are advising business owners and workers to exercise caution when handling cash transactions. If someone suspects they’ve been handed a counterfeit note, they should refuse to accept it, provided it’s safe to do so.
Anyone who comes across a suspected fake note should handle it minimally, place it in an envelope, and record any relevant details about how they received it before contacting police immediately.
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The warning serves as a reminder for Capalaba’s retail and hospitality workers to remain vigilant, particularly during busy service periods when counterfeit currency is more likely to slip through undetected.
Published 25-September-2025
