Waterloo (July 29, 2019) – Waterloo Regional Police warns of counterfeit currency. Since January 2019, 205 incidents involving counterfeit money being passed as currency were reported to the WRP. Most of the time, $20, $50 and $100 bills were in question. The fake money was mainly unknowingly handed out in local retail and fast food businesses in the Waterloo Region.
Regardless of the circumstances, any individual who knowingly or unknowingly accepts a counterfeit note bears the loss. The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Fraud unit advises that you should check and know your currency.
If you suspect that you’re being offered a counterfeit note, the WRP advice is to assess the bill by checking the ink and serial number. If you believe it is counterfeit, you should:
- Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect it may be counterfeit
- Ask for another note (and check it too)
- Advise the person to check the note with local police
- Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money
- Be courteous and remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious
It is essential to report any suspected counterfeiting activity in your community since timely reporting can assist police in identifying the individual(s) involved.
To learn more about how to detect a counterfeit banknote, please visit: Bank of Canada
