General News
16 December, 2025
Local businesses on alert for counterfeit cash
ARARAT businesses are being urged to stay vigilant after counterfeit prop money was recently used at local businesses. Ararat AutoPro and Jaycar owner Jim Katsantonis said staff realised they had accepted more than $300 worth of fake notes during a recent sale.
Employee Jarred Moorfoot recognised the suspected fakes soon after the customer had left the store. The counterfeit notes closely resembled real currency.
Jim said staff didn’t initially think to inspect the cash more closely, as nothing about the purchase raised concern.
“They bought a whole heap of stuff, and you just don’t think to check the money, it was a big sale,” he said.
“That’s why we didn’t look that much into it. It was just car accessories.”
Jarred said there was nothing about the customer that raised suspicions.
“It just didn’t stand out that much,”
He said it was only afterwards that the counterfeit notes were noticed.
“It was almost immediate”.
On close inspection, staff noticed several red flags, including the word “props” printed in small lettering and an unusual texture.
“(the notes) are too plasticky. After this, I check even the fifties and twenties just to make sure that they don’t say ‘props’.”
To prevent future incidents, the store has now sought to install counterfeit detection machines.
“What else are we going to do? I don’t know if they were from here. But that’s what they will do, it’s smart, they hit the small businesses in small towns,” he said.
Local businesses are encouraged to check notes carefully and report any concerns to the police.
Senior Sergeant Lisa McRae urged businesses and shoppers to stay alert.
“Be vigilant, cash payments aren’t as regular now. If anything is suspicious, report it to the police and bring the notes in,” she said.
She added that if anyone encounters a person they believe may be involved, officers want to hear about it so they can question them as part of their investigation.
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