Counterfeit $100 bills circulating in Ottawa: Police warn

Attention cash users, police are warning of counterfeit $100 bills circulating in the capital. (Ottawa Police Service/ handout)

Attention cash users, the Ottawa Police Service is warning of counterfeit $100 bills circulating in the capital.

The city’s police service says it has received multiple complaints reporting the use of counterfeit currency since December 2024.

Officers say counterfeit bills are often deceiving, citing the difficulty to identify immediately by retailers.

Police shared the following ways to help you identify counterfeit cash:

• Check serial numbers when accepting cash. Each bill should have a unique serial number.
• Check the window on the bill for tiny numbers matching the denomination.
• Verify that the portrait in the window matches the main portrait.
• Use a small, bright light to see tiny numbers in the maple leaf window.
• Ensure the image in the window changes colour.
• Feel the raised ink on the main portrait by running your finger over it.
• Observe the bill to see if it is identified as “prop money” or “for film use only,” often, this can be seen in the fine print.

People who have fallen victims to fake currency fraud are asked to report the incident to police at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).