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Vernon RCMP warn public to be on look out for counterfeit cash

Byline: Ben Bulmer

Vernon RCMP warn public to be on look out for counterfeit cash | iNFOnews.ca
RCMP raided a home in the Mission last week found to contain a massive supply of drugs and a two-year-old child., FILE PHOTO Credit: ADOBE STOCK Photographer: Adam Proskiw

Vernon RCMP are warning the public about a rise in counterfeit cash in the area.

Police say they have received numerous reports of counterfeit bills showing up at banks since May 5.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, the majority of the fake cash has been in $50 bills, but some U.S. $100 bills along with $5 Canadian bills have also been found.

RCMP aren't sure whether the counterfeit bills are related and are issuing a reminder to the public to watch out for the fake notes.

"Canadian currency, in general, has several unique security features designed to prevent counterfeiting," Vernon RCMP Const. Chris Terleski said in the release.

"By far, the most recognizable feature is that Canadian currency is made from polymer, not paper and the difference is immediately noticeable. The holograms in real currency are embedded, fakes will have them taped or glued leaving an unfinished, rough edge. These differences are easy to spot if you know what you are looking for."

RCMP have provided some tips for anyone that comes across a counterfeit note:

  • Be wary of people using large bills to make small purchases. Fraudsters will do this to try to make off with the largest amount of legitimate currency possible;
  • If you suspect a person has given a counterfeit bill, remain polite, refuse the transaction, and ask for another bill or form of payment. Remember, the person may have no idea the bill is counterfeit.
  • Provide staff with information and training on how to spot counterfeit bills;
  • Develop store policies around accepting larger cash denominations, such as asking for ID

More information is also available from the Bank of Canada here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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Ben Bulmer

Ben Bulmer

After a decade of globetrotting, U.K. native Ben Bulmer ended up settling in Canada in 2009. Calling Vancouver home he headed back to school and studied journalism at Langara College. From there he headed to Ottawa before winding up in a small anglophone village in Quebec, where he worked for three years at a feisty English language newspaper. Ben is always on the hunt for a good story, an interesting tale and to dig up what really matters to the community.

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