Police warn public, businesses of fake $100 bills ahead of ‘Christmas shopping rush’

Both Edmonton police and RCMP are warning about fake $100 bills circulating with the same serial number.

Ahead of the holiday shopping rush, police are warning of counterfeit $100 bills circulating in parts of Alberta.

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“The concern is really just thinking about these businesses that are getting these bills … and now they’re faced with a loss,” RCMP Corp. Matthew Howell told CTV News Edmonton. “Coming up to this Christmas rush, the final Christmas shopping spree where a lot of these businesses make their money before they cool off for the new year.”

Mounties have seen several complaints from businesses and individuals who have received counterfeit bills or have refused counterfeit bills in Lloydminster.

Edmonton police have also had recent reports of counterfeit $100 bills with the same serial number: GKV9181892.

Typically the bills are used to pay for cell phones and electronics through Facebook Marketplace transactions.

People using Facebook Marketplace are encouraged to use Buy and Sell Exchange Zones, designated areas in police station parking lots equipped with video cameras to record the exchange of online purchases.

Zones are located at the following police divisions:

• Northeast Division Station - 14203 50 St.
• Southeast Division Station - 104 Youville Dr. East
• Southwest Division Station -1351 Windermere Way SW
• West Division Station - 16505 100 Ave. NW

Howell said that if you receive a counterfeit bill, it’s best to put it aside, remember who gave it to you and look for any video footage you might have of that person.

If you recognize that the bill is counterfeit, calmly refuse it, and call police.

“Depending on how the person reacts, if they’re still around, they can talk to police as well, but if it’s someone who is actually trying to defraud the business, chances are they will leave the premises,” said Howell.

He hopes that people who knowingly use counterfeit money, particularly when purchasing items from individuals or small businesses, recognize that it directly impacts them.

“You’re affecting your local economy, affecting those around you that are working towards supporting their family or supporting their own businesses …This might seem like a mundane crime, but the repercussions can be pretty vast.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Marek Tkach