Police cautioning public after recent increase in counterfeit bill reports

Prince George

2025-01-07 11:45 PST

Prince George RCMP is sending out a caution to retailers and other businesses who take cash transactions to pay extra attention when taking cash, as the last month has seen a dramatic rise in counterfeit bill reports.

Where we would typically see one to two reports of counterfeit bills each month in Prince George, since December 1 we have received 17 reports, so that’s quite a spike in counterfeit bills going around the city. It is predominantly $20 and $50 bills we are seeing used, states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for Prince George RCMP.

Click here for a larger photo of the front side of the counterfeit bills.


Click here for a larger photo of the back side of the counterfeit bills.

While some of the bills appear to be fake cash that could be used in a classroom setting, others were photocopied bills printed out on paper, which leads investigators to believe this is likely the latest trend in fraud attempts.

If you suspect that you’re being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk. Then, do the following:

• Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that it may be counterfeit.
• Ask for another note (and check it too).
• Advise the person to check the note with the local police.
• 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.

Always remember to inform your local police if you believe you have received a counterfeit bill, as timely reporting assists police agencies in detecting and preventing criminal activity.

Police want to remind everyone that it is an offence to recirculate a counterfeit bill. For more information on how to detect counterfeit currency and what to do if you receive any, please visit the Bank of Canada’s website at Counterfeit prevention - Bank of Canada.

Released by:

Email: princegeorge_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: princegeorge.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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