Counterfeit cash used at Remuera charity shop

Police in Auckland are urging retailers to watch out for counterfeit bills after a fake $100 note was found at a charity shop on Thursday.

They say a woman entered a shop on Remuera Road at about 2pm on Thursday and purchased a few items with the fake note. It was only later that volunteers realised the money was counterfeit.

Auckland City east area prevention manager Inspector Rachel Dolheguy said retailers should take a look, feel and tilt approach to identifying genuine bank notes.

"To avoid falling victim to fake cash, we are asking retailers and the public to boost their knowledge around banknote security and report any fraudulent notes they come across," she said.

Dolheguy said retailers should not accept notes they believe could be fake.

"If you find you've already received a counterfeit note, put it in an envelope to avoid handling it further and get in touch with police."