Photo courtesy: RCMP

By CKPG Today

Crime

‘Dramatic rise’ in counterfeit bills circulating in Prince George

Jan 8, 2025 | 9:30 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George Mounties are warning retailers and other businesses in Prince George to be on the lookout for counterfeit money.

This as RCMP say there’s been a “dramatic rise” in counterfeit bills the last month.

“Where we would typically see one to two reports of counterfeit bills each month in Prince George, since December 1 we have received 17 reports, so that’s quite a spike in counterfeit bills going around the city. It is predominantly $20 and $50 bills we are seeing used,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for Prince George RCMP.

“While some of the bills appear to be fake cash that could be used in a classroom setting, others were photocopied bills printed out on paper, which leads investigators to believe this is likely the latest trend in fraud attempts.”

If you suspect that you’re being offered a counterfeit note, RCMP advise you to assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk. Then, do the following:

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• 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.

RCMP say to always remember to inform your local police if you believe you have received a counterfeit bill, as timely reporting assists police agencies in detecting and preventing criminal activity.

Police want to remind everyone that it is an offence to recirculate a counterfeit bill. For more information on how to detect counterfeit currency and what to do if you receive any, visit the Bank of Canada’s website at Counterfeit prevention – Bank of Canada.

Photo courtesy: RCMP