Police warn of counterfeit currency

Wood Buffalo RCMP is issuing a warning about counterfeit money in our community.

Since April 12th, police have received multiple reports where individuals used, or attempted to use counterfeit $50 and $100  Canadian bills.

Authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout for suspicious bills and should they come in contact with suspected counterfeit currency, report it to the police.

The Bank of Canada has the following advice for dealing with counterfeit currency:

  • Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that it may be counterfeit.
  • Ask for another note and check it as well.
  • Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money.
  • Be courteous. Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious.

To help check the authenticity of Canadian bills, the Bank of Cannada suggests examining the currency carefully:

  • Feel the smooth, unique texture of the note. It’s made from a single piece of polymer with some transparent areas.
  • Feel the raised ink on the large number, the shoulders of the large portrait, and the “Bank of Canada” text.
  • Look for transparency through the large window and the outline of the frosted maple leaf window.
  • Look at the details in the metallic portrait and building in the large window.
  • Flip the note to see the metallic portrait and building repeated in the same colours and detail on the other side of the large window.

If you think you have come across counterfeit currency please contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788‐4040. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

More from play 103.7