Northern Ont. police service issues alert over surge in fake $50 bills

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Fake $50 bills circulating in North Bay

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Tips to spot counterfeit cash

North Bay police are warning businesses and residents to scrutinize their cash after a rise in counterfeit money, particularly fake $50 bills, circulated in the city over the holidays.

The local police service issued a public advisory on Monday, urging vigilance following multiple reports of counterfeit currency from local retailers over the Holiday season.

Specific serial number identified

Investigators said a common serial number has been found on several of the forged notes: AHU5885903.

“The bills seized in the investigation resemble the polymer $50 bill but are slightly faded, and the raised Braille is only printed, not embossed,” the North Bay Police Service said in a news release.

Similar counterfeit bills have also been reported in other jurisdictions across the province.

How to handle a suspect bill

Police provided clear steps for anyone who encounters a bill they believe is counterfeit:

• Politely decline to accept it.
• Do not accuse or confront the customer.
• Recommend the customer take the bill to the police or the bank for verification.
• After the customer leaves, call police with as much information as possible: date, time, value of the bill, description of inconsistencies, and any details about the customer.
• If a counterfeit bill has already been accepted, report it to police immediately.

Counterfeit prevention resources

Canadian banknotes include multiple built-in security features to help identify counterfeits. For additional resources and free training materials, the public is directed to the Bank of Canada website.

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