By Corey Fischer

Phony Bills Being Passed in Okanagan

Jan 26, 2018 | 2:49 PM

Photo: RCMP have released a surveillance image of a person-of-interest, who police believe may be connected to at least one incident of passing counterfeit bills.

RCMP are reporting a wave of reports of counterfeit bills being passed in Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna.

Police say fake $50 and $100 Canadian bills have been passed at a variety of businesses, ranging from retail stores to coffee shops.

“In most cases the customer has been provided with change, after making a small purchase using a counterfeit bill,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “In other cases, the customer purchases a more expensive item at one store with the phony money, then immediately returns that item for real cash at another store location of the same franchise.”

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Police have released a surveillance image of a person-of-interest in one case.

RCMP say a $100 counterfeit bill seized in West Kelowna was described as not symmetrical, and cut poorly so that it was narrow at one end,

RCMP offer some tips for merchants:

-Be especially careful during busy periods as this is when counterfeit bank notes are more likely to be passed;

-Pay particular attention to customers who pay with bank notes of a much higher denomination that is needed;

-If possible, retain the bank note and take steps to protect it from being physically handled by multiple persons;

-Record the specific details about the circumstances and the person(s) who passed the suspected counterfeit bank note (e.g. time, context, physical descriptions, vehicles involved, licence plate etc.)

by Corey Fischer