RCMP counter growing counterfeit problem

INNISFAIL - The Mounties are getting proactive to combat the increasing phoney money problem in town.

"We have seen a real increase there in these counterfeit bills, a lot of American counterfeits," said Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler, adding the phoney money has been turning up in Innisfail, Penhold and the surrounding areas.

Const. Simon Watson has been assigned to lead a local RCMP campaign of providing awareness and education to local businesses on how to spot counterfeit money. He began his campaign of visiting local and area businesses last month.

To prepare for the campaign he has been researching online counterfeit money databases and courses to get a better understanding of what local businesses and the public should look for when money is exchanged. Watson's goal is to provide businesses with a set of reference guides when handling both Canadian and American bills.

"I thought it would be a good idea to go to businesses that are most vulnerable to counterfeit money like gas stations and fast-food places, the in-and-out places where there is a quick exchange with cash," said Watson, whose campaign will include providing merchants with a trio of Bank of Canada educational pamphlets that have detailed breakdowns of security features on both Canadian and American bills. "When they are dealing with American money, just be more attentive with the serial numbers, (and) raised ink. Pay really good attention to it and make sure it is real.

"If they are feeling uneasy or not sure if they (bills) are fake or real, give us a call."

He emphasized if any business is not comfortable with the American money or the old paper series of bills, it is strongly recommended to ask the customer if he or she has another mode of payment such as debit or new bills. If necessary they can simply refuse to accept American bills.

"At the end of the day if it is not real that business is out of that money," said Watson, noting there have been phoney $50 and $20 bills passed at local fast-food outlets. "I am not saying businesses should not take American money altogether, but if they feel uncomfortable or uneasy give us a call and we can drop by to check it out."

For more information on counterfeit prevention go to the Bank of Canada website at www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/ or call Watson at the local RCMP detachment at 403-227-3342.