DETECTIVES from the Goondiwindi Criminal Investigation Branch are warning local businesses and members of the community to be vigilant after a recent increase in counterfeit currency circulating throughout the Goondiwindi and surrounding areas.

Officers are investigating several incidents where counterfeit $50 notes have been used to purchase goods in townships including Goondiwindi, Miles and Oakey.

Offences have occurred in a range of different retail and service businesses.

Goondiwindi Police urges business owners and customer service employees to be mindful of people presenting large value notes for low value purchases.

"This is a timely reminder for all customer service employees to check the quality of all $50 and $100 notes before giving change to a customer," said Detective Senior Constable Michael Flood.

"Advice on how to identify counterfeit notes is available through the Reserve Bank of Australia website, but you should check notes for the security features including the coat of arms watermark, the clear plastic window is part of the note and not stuck on, and the Southern Cross stars look genuine and do not scratch off with moderate rubbing."

More information on detecting counterfeit notes can be viewed on the Reserve Bank of Australia website: http://banknotes.rba.gov.au/assets/pdf/counterfeit-detection-guide.pdf.

Anyone who may have any information concerning the manufacturing or distribution of these notes is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.