$50 counterfeit bill found at a business in an Ontario town

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Published January 25, 2024 at 1:40 pm

counterfeit money ontario
Can you spot the fake $50 bill? (Photo: OPP)

A counterfeit $50 bill was found at a business in a small Ontario town.

The $50 bill (seen on the left in the photo above) was used at a business on Brunetville Road in Kapuskasing, OPP said in a press release.

Police got the report on Jan. 23 and believe it was accepted at the business within the previous ten days.

Unfortunately, there was insufficient evidence to identify a suspect in the case, police said.

However, the counterfeit bill serves as a reminder of fake money circulating in the province and could help people spot the difference.

The RCMP say 15,332 counterfeit bills made it into circulation in 2022 and 53,630 bills were seized by police. The $50 and $100 bills tend to be the most commonly counterfeited bills.

Unfortunately, anyone who accepts a counterfeit bill, knowingly or not, bears the loss, according to the Bank of Canada. There’s no reimbursement from the Bank of Canada. It’s the same in any country.

In Canada, it is a criminal offence to knowingly use or keep counterfeit money.

Here’s some tips on how you can identify a counterfeit:

  • Feel the smooth, unique texture of the note. It’s made from a single piece of polymer with some transparent areas.
  • Feel the raised ink on the shoulders of the large portrait, the large number and the words “Bank of Canada”
  • Look for transparency through the large window containing a metallic portrait and building.
  • The building should change colours as you tilt the bill.
  • Look at the numbers in and around the large window that match the value of the note. Some of the numbers appear in reverse.
  • Look at the maple leaves that border the large window. Some of the leaves cross into the window.

If you’re suspicious about the money that you’re being handed:

  • Politely refuse the money and explain that you suspect that it’s counterfeit.
  • Ask the customer for another note (and check it too).
  • Advise the customer to check the suspicious note with local police.
  • Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass counterfeit money.

For more information, visit the Bank of Canada website.

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