The disturbing trend has police urging the public to think twice about what they’ve been handed.

“It’s important that people are aware of this practice that is increasing,” SA Police acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia said.

“We certainly don’t want businesses to be short-changed or any other innocent members of the public to be short-changed as well.”

The rise in counterfeit cash has coincided with an increase in cash transactions, according to some businesses. 

“When we are busy, it’s very hard to keep track of what’s going through the till,” Pas, the owner of Mitico Cafe, said.

“We are just hoping that we give the right change and that’s about it.”

The financial impact of counterfeit cash can be substantial, particularly for small businesses. 

“You are just trying to get through the day and those small hits can make a big difference, especially for hospitality,” Pas said.

For businesses and workers who believe they’ve been handed a counterfeit note, the advice from police is to compare it with a known legitimate note, and refuse to accept the currency if in doubt.

“What we want you to do if anyone actually does have the notes, is minimise the handling of them as much as possible and put them in an envelope because we will be able to get some forensic evidence from them,” De Candia said.