Counterfeit money has sucked in a number of Riverina businesses this month but a savvy Capital Nightclub barman has helped police crack down on at least one alleged fraudster.A number of fake $50 notes have been spotted in Cootamundra and Wagga with police believing the two may be related.Cootamundra investigations have led to charges being laid against a 21-year-old man, while Wagga detectives said fast food outlets and clubs around the city were the main victims.Capital Nightclub bar manager Michelle Qemal said her bar staff first noticed fake notes two weekends ago.She said the fast pace of service meant it was difficult to catch fraudulent notes, but the "great work" of one barman alerted her to the problem."Because the bar staff, when they're busy they've got wet hands and when (a patron) passed the note over it basically disintegrated in his hand," she said.It can often be hard to determine if a patron using the fake note is the perpetrator or a victim, but Mrs Qemal said the incident was not isolated.Mrs Qemal managed to retain one of the fake notes and has since given a full statement to police who are investigating the incidents."They're very good looking notes, they've got the clear windows too," she said.Cootamundra police say as yet there is not sufficient evidence to suggest fakes notes in the two cities are related, but at least one Cootamundra man has faced court.Michael Hanley, 21, yesterday fronted Wagga Local Court accused of owning a machine capable of creating counterfeit money, and of circulating it.Hanley pleaded not guilty to all charges and the matter has been adjourned until June 6.