Vernon RCMP warn public about fake cash making the rounds

Fake cash has been used at several businesses around Vernon and RCMP are warning people to be wary.

Police have received numerous complaints about fake Canadian and American cash since May, according to a press release from police issued today, June 13.

RCMP are investigating but want to remind people to be alert and check that the bills they use are real.

“Counterfeit cash can result in financial losses for people and businesses,” Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in the release. “There are differences between them, but both currencies have some distinct security features you can use to help spot a fake. If you know what you’re looking for, the phoney bills won’t stand up.”

Police are advising people to check for transparent polymer windows, embedded holograms and light-reactive designs on the bill that change when tilted. Checking the serial numbers is a way to check if bills are real since each genuine bill has a different serial number.

RCMP are advising businesses to train staff on how to check counterfeit money and give them UV scanners or counterfeit pens to find fakes.

Counterfeiters sometimes use large bills for low price items.

Police are asking store workers who suspect a bill is fake to report it to police, but want people to remember that someone might have no idea the cash they are using isn’t real.

Click here for more information on how to check Canadian and American cash to see if it’s phoney.