Northern Ont. police investigate after finding counterfeit $20, $100 bills

East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police say they received reports of counterfeit $20 bills that showed up at a bank in Blind River this week.

East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police say they received reports of counterfeit cash that showed up at a bank in Blind River this week.

Police said four fake $20 bills had been passed to a business in Iron Bridge and were discovered March 24 when the business tried to deposit them.

“The origin of the $100 bill is unknown at this time,” the OPP said in a news release.

“At this time, there is insufficient evidence to identify a suspect. Police are reminding the public and businesses to remain vigilant when handling cash and to watch for signs of counterfeit currency.”

Police released photos of the fake money seized in the case and how they were determined to be counterfeit.

“The transparent window section had been glued on, the $20 bills had the same serial numbers and there was no braille lettering beneath the word ‘Canada,’” police said.

There are a number of steps residents and businesses can take to ensure the money they are receiving is genuine, police said.

Feel it: Real notes are made of smooth polymer with raised ink. Bills that feel flimsy, peel, or seem unusual may be fake.

Check the window: The transparent window should be part of the bill, not glued on, with clear metallic images and a hidden number visible in the maple leaf.

Tilt it: Metallic features should change colour and the images in the window should look the same on both sides.

Look closely: Fine details should be sharp, not blurry. Wording such as ‘Prop Money’ is a clear warning sign.

If you suspect a bill you have received is counterfeit, police advise that you don’t return it. Instead, refuse it and ask for another form of payment and then report it to police.

For more information, visit the Bank of Canada website.