MOOSE JAW — This holiday season, the Moose Jaw Police Service is urging local businesses and residents to diligently check all banknotes after some counterfeit bills were found to be circulating.
On Dec. 3, the Moose Jaw Police Service received a report that two counterfeit $100 bills were discovered at a local business. Police were able to determine the bills were counterfeit, as there were noticeable defects. Police continue to investigate the incident.
Other police jurisdictions have also reported counterfeit $100 bills being circulated.
As a reminder, the possession, use, and creation of counterfeit money is illegal in Canada, police report.
The Moose Jaw Police Service reminds the public that anyone who discovers they are in possession of counterfeit currency should report it to their local police agency.
The Bank of Canada has important information for all businesses when dealing with suspicious money:
If you suspect that you’re being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk.
Then, do the following:
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.
If you suspect that you’ve received a counterfeit note, give it to the local police.
If it’s real, you’ll get it back.
Either way, the police should be informed of possible counterfeiting activity in your community. Timely reporting helps police and prosecutors bring counterfeiters to justice.
The website of the Bank of Canada has detailed information on current and previous bank note series and counterfeit prevention.
Anyone with further information should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Moose Jaw Police Service at (306) 694-7600.
