More fake money found in northern Ont.

A magnifying glass enlarges the holographic image of Parliament Hill's Peace Tower on a $20 bill issued by the Bank of Canada, shown in a display case at the Bank of Canada Museum. (File phot/ Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a counterfeit banknote passed in Kirkland Lake.

OPP said it received a report of a counterfeit bill from the local Royal Bank of Canada branch, where a fake $20 bill was located, on March 31.

“Police have seized this bill and the investigation is still ongoing to determine the origin,” said police in a news release.

OPP said the bill seized was missing an ‘a’ at the end of Canada. On the bill it indicated “This is Not Legal Tender” and “Film Production.” Police also noted that the banknote was made of paper with no clear transparent window.

Wider circulation

In March, provincial, First Nation and local police reported counterfeit currency being passed in Blind River, Elliot Lake, Moosonee and Moose Factory.

Tips for identifying counterfeit bills

Police are encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with security features found on genuine Canadian currency and to check bills carefully.

The OPP provided the following tips to help identify counterfeit money:

• Canadian banknotes are made of smooth polymer (plastic), not paper
• Raised ink should be felt on the portrait, large numbers (20,50,100) and “Bank of Canada”
• Transparent windows should be clear with sharp metallic details
• Multiple bills with the same serial number are suspicious
• Blurry print, poor quality or wording like “Prop Money”, “Film Production”

What to do if counterfeit currency is suspected

The OPP has also outlined steps for members of the public to take if they believe they have been presented with a counterfeit note:

• Politely refuse the note.
• Ask for another form of payment and check it.
• Encourage the person to have the bill verified by police.
• Report the incident to your local police.

For more information on counterfeit prevention, visit the Bank of Canada website.