Fake money with Steve Irwin and Home and Away's Alf Stewart, are circulating in the Northern Territory and police have warned people that it's not legal tender.
And no, this isn’t the new currency design following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
According to the NT police, the 100-dollar bills bearing the faces of Aussie cultural icons that are popping up across the territory are faker than monopoly cash.
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Business owners have also been warned of the fake dollarydoos after the props were stolen by ‘unknown offenders’ from a TV and film set from a Wilkinson St address in Alice Springs earlier this week.
Detective Acting Senior Sargent Robert Kent said in a press release: “At this stage investigators are unsure of how much fake money was stolen but it may include $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills.
“Police would suggest maybe taking a quick glance at any bills received for the next few weeks to make sure you’re getting the real thing.”
While police said the money looks authentic initially, there are some ‘subtle’ key differences to look out for.
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I mean, not gonna lie; we definitely like the look of ol’ Al and Steve on Straya's bills.
As police continue to search for the offenders, it might be of interest to them that a couple of years ago, a Change.org was launched to have the late crocodile hunter on the nation’s currency.
The petition garnered over 31,000 signatures and we wouldn’t be surprised if one of these dedicated fans are behind his prank.
The online campaign reads in part: “With a list a mile long of all the good Steve had accomplished in our world let's show our appreciation to a great true blue Australian by putting Stephen 'Steve' Irwin on our country's currency. Only everyone's support can make this happen!”
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However, more recently, Twitter users also urged for the five-dollar note to showcase Irwin’s face instead of King Charles’.
One user wrote: “Steve Irwin deserves our highest form of currency. The $5 note will explode in vale if we put him on that note.”
Another said: “Aussies are demanding Steve Irwin on their printed money instead of King Charles and I AM HERE FOR IT.”
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While another shared: “Kind of agree with the Aussies. Steve was and still is an absolute legend.”
You heard the people, start ordering these babies to print!
Charisa Bossinakis