Staff at the Lockhart IGA are on high alert for counterfeit $100 notes after two were used in a week at neighbouring stores managed by the Mathews.
The Howlong and Springdale Heights stores were hit last week with two counterfeit notes in one week.
Counterfeit notes are a complete loss for the business.
“It is $100 down the drain,” store manager Nick Mathews said.
“If they get away with it once I guess they will try again.”
The Mathews have owned the Lockhart store for 20 years and the East Albury store for 10.
In that time they have only been hit with around half a dozen counterfeit notes but having two so close together is unusual.
“Having two in one week at different stores has never happened before,” Mr Mathews said.
“It is one of those things you need to deal with in a retail business.”
While most people think people who work the check out have an easy job with limited responsibility the staff are required to check ID, check notes for authenticity and monitor customers in the store.
