Prince Albert Police Service asking the public to be aware of counterfeit bills

Prince Albert Police Service asking the public to be aware of counterfeit bills

Prince Albert Police Service asking the public to be aware of counterfeit bills

The Prince Albert Police Service is asking businesses to be cautious when accepting large bills and to take steps to ensure their authenticity after several businesses were recently targeted with counterfeit bills.

There has been a recent surge of counterfeit bills in Prince Albert with three incidents reported by businesses so far in 2018 and 12 complaints of suspected counterfeit bills from 2017 compared to two incidents reported in 2015 and in 2016.

The most common type of currency involved in the counterfeit incidents are $50 and $100 Canadian bills and gas stations, convenience stores and banks are popular targets.

Recent serial numbers involved in the counterfeit cases to watch out for: $20 - Serial #FDV3685454, $50 - LGQ03229158, $100 - EKR2223601.

Business owners have the right to ask for identification if presented with a bill of a large denomination and to refuse the bill if it is believed to be counterfeit.

How to spot a Fake Bill

The Bank of Canada suggests a 'touch and tilt' method. Touch the bills to feel for a raised surface, and then tilt it side to side to see if the security features are engaging. A transparent window will contain those important features. The metallic portrait on the side will match the larger one near the center and will change colour when you tilt the bill and adjust your viewing angle.

Within the window, there should be small numbers that match the note value. Since the window is transparent, you should be able to clearly view the images when you flip it. The dollar amount should also be hidden in the frosted maple leaf in the corner.

Below is the Bank of Canada website with more tips on how detect and prevent counterfeit fraud.

https://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/

If you suspect your business is a victim of a counterfeit incident contact the Prince Albert Police Service at (306) 953-4222.

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Communication Strategist: Alanna Adamko

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