NORTH Vancouver RCMP are warning the public about an increase in counterfeit $50 and $100 Canadian bank notes being circulated.
In the past two months, North Vancouver RCMP have received at least 11 separate reports of high-quality counterfeit $50 and $100 bank notes being used at various businesses.
The seized counterfeit notes:
- All have identical serial numbers.
- Are made from a similar plastic to that used by genuine currency.
- Include a holographic sticker meant to imitate genuine embedded security measures.
“In Canada, it’s an offence under the Criminal Code to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP. “And if you unknowingly accept counterfeit cash as legal tender, you can’t be reimbursed; you’re on the hook for the loss. Being familiar with the security features of genuine bank notes will help you spot counterfeits at a glance, protecting yourself from fraud.”
If accepting cash, businesses are encouraged to check the bank notes to ensure they’re proper legal tender. Resources on how to verify a bank note’s security features can be found on the Bank of Canada’s website: Bank of Canada – Counterfeit Prevention
Anyone with information on counterfeit currency or who wants to report a crime is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.
