INNISFAIL – Bogus $50 and $100 counterfeit bills have reportedly been used in Central Alberta and the town’s RCMP detachment commander is issuing a warning that Innisfail will probably and eventually see “a little bit” of the illegal currency.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Ihme told the Albertan on March 27 that no counterfeit bills have yet been reported to his detachment.
“We'll probably see a little bit of it eventually but we haven't had any reported to us yet,” said Ihme.
However, with Red Deer RCMP issuing a warning that it has received multiple reports of transactions where $50 and $100 counterfeit bills were used or attempted to be used, Ihme noted there is a lot of movement between Central Alberta communities and there is a chance the bogus money could find its way into Innisfail.
“Often when there's a problem that's happening in Red Deer, then we end up seeing it down here,” said Ihme. “We often get that that spillover effect, because Red Deer is the hub location for our town too.
“We often see things that are an issue in Red Deer, and that being an issue here as well.”
The Red Deer RCMP’s counterfeit money warning was issued on March 26, and police in the Central Alberta city are advising anyone in the area who handles currency to be on the lookout for suspicious bills, and report it to police if they should come in contact with any that does not look right.
The Bank of Canada has the following advice for dealing with counterfeit currency:
• 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.
Anyone who believes they may have come across counterfeit currency they are asked to contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
