Prince George RCMP are warning businesses and shoppers to pay extra attention to cash transactions after a rise in reports of counterfeit bills in the city.
"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.
Some of the bills are fake money that Mounties say can be used in a classroom. Other counterfeit bills are photocopies of bills printed on paper. Investigators believe this is likely the latest trend in fraud attempts
RCMP warn that 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.
Mounties are reminding people it is an offence to recirculate counterfeit bills. For more information on detecting counterfeit currency and what to do if you receive any, visit www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention.
Quesnel RCMP said there were no reports of counterfeit bills in Quesnel in December and they have not seen a similar trend. Fort St. James RCMP said they had report of one and the Vanderhoof RCMP said they have had no reports.
