Police were called to a fast-food outlet on Bold Street, Laurieton, about 3.30pm 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 allegedly 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 two counts of, utter counterfeit money knowing it to be counterfeit, possess counterfeit money, and goods in custody.

He was refused bail when he fronted Port Macquarie Local Court.

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.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.