Counterfeit $50 bill (image courtesy of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP)

By Liam Verster

Phony Bills

Counterfeit cash incidents on the rise in North Okanagan

May 18, 2022 | 11:20 AM

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have seen an increase in counterfeit cash being circulated throughout the region.

Since May 5, Mounties have received numerous reports of counterfeit bills presented to banks in the North Okanagan.

A majority of the incidents have involved phony $50 Canadian bills, though several $100 U.S. bills and $5 Canadian bills have also been discovered.

Counterfeit $50 bill (image courtesy of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP)

The RCMP say it’s unknown if the transactions involving the counterfeit cash are related at this time.

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“Canadian currency, in general, has several unique security features designed to prevent counterfeiting,” stated Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

“By far, the most recognizable feature is that Canadian currency is made from polymer, not paper, and the difference is immediately noticeable. The holograms in real currency are embedded, fakes will have them taped or glued leaving an unfinished, rough edge. These differences are easy to spot if you know what you are looking for.”

Police are reminding the public to take steps to prevent transactions involving counterfeit cash from taking place:

• Be wary of people using large bills to make small purchases, as fraudsters will try to do this to make off with as much legitimate currency as possible
• If you suspect someone is using a counterfeit bill, remain polite but refuse the transaction and ask for another bill or form of payment. The RCMP noted that a person may not know that they are attempting to pay with a counterfeit bill
• Provide staff with information and training on how to spot counterfeit bills
• Develop store polices around accepting larger cash denominations, such as asking for identification

Additional information on identifying legitimate and counterfeit cash can be found at the Bank of Canada’s website.