North Vancouver RCMP warn of increase in counterfeit bills

Bank notes issued by the Bank of Canada are seen in a display case at the Bank of Canada Museum in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

Businesses in North Vancouver are being reminded to make sure any bank notes they accept are legal tender, as police warn of an increase in high-quality counterfeit bills being circulated through the community.

Mounties say there have been at least 11 reports of counterfeit $50 and $100 bills being used at various businesses over the last two months.

“In Canada, it’s an offence under the Criminal Code to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak in a news release Monday.

“And if you unknowingly accept counterfeit cash as legal tender, you can’t be reimbursed; you’re on the hook for the loss.”

The fake notes have all had identical serial numbers, are made from a plastic similar to that of real currency, and include a holographic sticker meant to imitate genuine embedded security measures. Resources on how to spot suspected counterfeit bills can be found on the Bank of Canada’s website.

Anyone with information on counterfeit currency is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.