The RCMP says it has arrested a man after receiving reports of counterfeit Canadian bills circulating in Moncton, N.B. The counterfeit money in these cases typically involves $20, $50, and $100 bills. The transparent security window on the bills has allegedly been tampered with. Police say instead of clean, holographic features, some bills have a dull, misaligned sticker or foil overlay on top of the window. Genuine bills should have crisp metallic portraits, don’t peel, and their serial numbers should be properly spaced and consistent. Police say they arrested a man in connection with an incident involving the bills last Thursday. The 41-year-old man will appear in court at a later date. Police are now warning both the public and businesses about the counterfeit bills. “If you’re handed a bill that you are unsure about, it’s okay to politely refuse it and ask for another form of payment,” says Const. Luc Picard of the Codiac Regional RCMP. “If you only notice the issue afterward, try not to handle the note more than necessary. Slip it into an envelope, write down when and where you received it, and contact police for guidance.” Police say businesses that receive a suspicious bill should call 911 if the suspect is still at the scene. Anyone else who encounters a suspicious bill in the Moncton area is encouraged to call the RCMP at 506‑857‑2400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
