Innisfail RCMP would like to question a suspect pursued by Red Deer police who allegedly has been using counterfeit money while driving through fast food restaurants.
Last week, Red Deer city RCMP issued a media release asking for public assistance to identify a woman who was caught on camera trying to pass counterfeit American money on three separate occasions while going into fast food drive-thrus.
“Most definitely because we have had a lot here too,” said Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk. “They just don't stick to Red Deer. They do it in a whole area. They branch out and quite often come to Innisfail, Sylvan Lake and Blackfalds, quite often anyways.
“We have had a lot of counterfeit bills passed in town here as well,” he added. “It is becoming a problem so it is of interest to us as well.”
Red Deer city RCMP said the suspect attempted to pay with a counterfeit American $50 bill, then with a bogus $20 bill, three times within a 24-hour period. A third attempt on July 18 was unsuccessful, as a restaurant staff member recognized the fake currency and refused to accept it, said police.
RCMP is encouraging anyone who deals with cash to scrutinize bills before accepting them, and to educate themselves about the security features on Canadian and US currency by visiting www.bankofcanada.ca and https://uscurrency.gov/.
If anyone recognizes this female suspect, he or she is asked to contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.
