Saanich Police are warning the public to be cautious of an influx of counterfeit currency being used in the community.
According to police, over the last few days a number of counterfeit $100 dollar bills have been used both in stores, and in private transactions.
These transactions have mostly been arranged through Facebook Marketplace.
“If you are accepting cash during a transaction, please make sure to inspect it carefully,” said Saanich Police in a media release.
“The Bank of Canada offers helpful information on the key security features of all Canadian currency. If you receive a counterfeit bill, please set it aside and contact police.”
Saanich Police shared some tips that people may find helpful when confronted with a bill that may be fake:
- Inspect the bill before accepting it
- If a bill feels off or appears suspicious, refuse it and ask for another
- Become familiarized with the security features on real Canadian bills
If someone does receive a counterfeit bill and realizes it after-the-fact:
- Do not try to use it or pass it along
- Give it to local police
- If money has been lost due to counterfeit money, contact local police
For more on the security features of Canadian money, visit the Bank of Canada’s website.
