The Parkland RCMP has issued a warning to residents and businesses in the area including Lac Ste Anne and Wabamun following a noticeable surge in counterfeit currency circulating in the region. Police are emphasizing the importance of paying close attention to in particular $50 bills
With financial losses from counterfeit currency potentially impacting businesses and individuals alike, the RCMP is urging the community to take precautionary measures and immediately report any suspicious cash.
Counterfeit Prevention Advice
The RCMP is promoting guidance from the Bank of Canada to help residents and businesses identify and handle counterfeit currency effectively.
Key steps include:
- Refusing Suspicious Bills: Politely decline the bill if you suspect it may be counterfeit. Avoid escalating the situation and remain calm.
- Requesting a Replacement Note: If a customer presents a suspicious note, ask them to provide another bill and check it as well.
- Involving Authorities: Encourage the individual to verify the note with local law enforcement. At the same time, promptly report the incident to the police yourself.
- Remaining Respectful: Recognize that the person in possession of the counterfeit bill might not realize its illegitimacy. Approach the situation with understanding.
The Bank of Canada also provides tools and resources to help individuals verify the authenticity of Canadian currency. For example, checking for specific security features such as raised ink, transparent holograms, and color-shifting images can help detect counterfeits.
A common method for counterfeiters is to bleach the color off of low value currency and then used advanced digital printers to produce a $50 or $100 bill on the paper. Although the hologram and transparent aspect of Canadian currency is altered – most cashiers don’t check close enough to notice the fake bill and it is only when the business attempts to deposit the currency that the bank refuses the deposit. High risk businesses include bars and lounges, Casinos and where multiple bills are exchanged at once such as the case of buying a vehicle in cash.
Authorities have also seen an an alarming trend of fake Canadian currency being printed in China and then distributed to Canada through various criminal ventures.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
Community participation is essential in combating counterfeit currency. The Parkland RCMP urges residents to report any suspected fake money or related activity immediately.
- Contact Parkland RCMP: Dial 825-220-7267 to report incidents directly.
- Crime Stoppers: For anonymous reporting, call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit tips online at www.P3Tips.com. The “P3 Tips” app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, provides another discreet option.
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