The OPP are warning the public to keep an eye out for counterfeit currency.
The OPP, the Bank of Canada and the RCMP are partnering up to educate citizens about how to spot counterfeit money and what to do if they do come across a fake bill. The RCMP reports over 17,500 counterfeit Canadian banknotes were passed in 2016; approximately 22 per cent of those were passed in Ontario. The OPP remind cash handlers that their safety is the most important thing when they are dealing with someone attempting to pass counterfeit bank notes.
The OPP have a number of suggestions of what to look for regarding counterfeit money. They say counterfeit notes are more likely to be passed during busy periods, so be especially careful during these times. They also suggest being cautious of customers looking to pay with much larger bills than is needed. If you do come across a bill you believe is fake, keep the banknote and any relevant information about the person who used it to pay, including; time, context of purchase, physical description, vehicle description and license plate. If you believe you have counterfeit money the next step is contacting your local police. Officers will take the bill from you and give you a receipt; if the bill is real it will be returned.
The OPP say that even with advanced technology no counterfeiter can make an exact replica of real currency. They say if you know what to look and feel for it only takes a few seconds to determine whether a bill is real or fake. The possession, use or creation of counterfeit currency is a chargeable offence that carries a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. Remember people passing counterfeit money may not always know it is fake, victims of counterfeit bills are often unaware they even possess them.
For a complete list of security features on Canadian currency visit http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/bank-note-series/polymer/ and learn what to look for so you don’t end up a victim.