Police in Manitoba are warning the public and businesses about the rise in counterfeit $100 bills.
In January alone, there were reports of fake money showing up at businesses in Carman, St. Claude, Portage and Winkler.
In the Winkler incident, a bank employee contacted the local police service on January 23rd to report that counterfeit currency was found within a deposit from a local business over the weekend. The Winkler Police Service says officers are working with the business to try and identify the individual that used the counterfeit currency.
Winnipeg Police has also reported several occurrences where counterfeit $50 and $100 Canadian and American currency counterfeit bills were used during transactions.
RCMP are asking the public to remain vigilant when accepting large denominations of currency. Business owners are asked to educate staff on the key security features of the Canadian currency.
If you believe you may have received a counterfeit bill, the RCMP offer this advice:
- Inspect it closely and compare it to a known authentic bill if possible.
- Contact a supervisor and have two people inspect the suspected counterfeit.
- If safe to do so, retain the bill and ask the customer for another form of payment. As a consumer, decline the note and request another form of change.
- Try to obtain identification from the suspect and note a description of the suspect or vehicle plate information.
- Notify the police immediately.
RCMP are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If you have information related to counterfeit money, you suspect that you are in possession of counterfeit money or believe someone has attempted to pass along counterfeit money to you, please contact your local police, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
With files from Candace Derksen