SUNDRE — With the Christmas season around the corner, the local RCMP detachment reminds local business owners and their staff to be vigilant when receiving physical currency for transactions.
There has been recent reports to police of an instance of counterfeit Canadian currency being used to pay for services at a Sundre business, reads a press release dated Thursday, Nov. 14.
“Should your business receive counterfeit bills, please contact your local police agency immediately,” the statement reads.
According to the Bank of Canada, which offers free training materials to assist the public, businesses and police agencies in identifying specialized security features designed into genuine bills, fraud affects everyone and people should not be offended when a cashier takes a closer look at cash during a transaction.
“If you know your notes, you’ll be able to detect a counterfeit at a glance and protect yourself from fraud,” reads a section of the Bank of Canada’s website addressing counterfeit prevention.
Tips to verify currency’s authenticity include closely looking at a bill and feeling the note for raised ink at different points.
Additionally, legitimate bills “have a finish that doesn't scrape off and colours that don’t run when they get wet. The holographic strip should be embedded in the note, not a sticker that can peel off.”
In Canada, knowingly using or keeping counterfeit money is a criminal offence. But someone who is attempting to spend fake money might themselves have been duped and not even be aware the bill is counterfeit.
“Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious,” reads the Bank of Canada website.
In any instance where a retailer suspects a bill is counterfeit, the note can be politely refused with an explanation to the customer about the concern.
Anyone who believes funny money was offered should call the Sundre RCMP at 403-638-3675.
