Police were called to a fast-food outlet on Bold Street, Laurieton, about 3.30pm Thursday 17 January 2019, after it was reported a man had attempted to use a counterfeit $50 note.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District attended and arrested a 36-year-old man nearby.

During a search of the man’s vehicle, police located and seized $1600 worth of counterfeit notes.

The Berala man was arrested and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where he was charged with utter counterfeit money knowing it to be counterfeit (x2), possessing counterfeit money, and goods in personal custody.

The man was refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Thursday 17 January 2019.

Investigations into the use of counterfeit money in the region is continuing and police are urging local businesses to check all $50 notes received within the past couple of days.

Anyone who believes they have detected counterfeit notes is urged to contact police.