Region of Peel – Investigators from Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau have noted a significant increase in the number of counterfeit Canadian $100.00 bills in circulation in the Region of Peel.
Investigators indicate that over the last month there has been over 30 occurrences combined in the city of Brampton and Mississauga. The incidents involve currency being passed during food delivery, as well as retail businesses.
The bills that have been seized are on polymer paper and have the serial number FKW4346846. After handling the bills for a short period of time the ink will lift quite quickly.
Police are reminding business owners and retail outlets to be extra cautious when accepting Canadian 100 dollar bills.
• The use of counterfeit money remains relatively rare. The confidence of the Canadian currency is not at risk.
• Consumers and retailers should take a moment to examine paper currency that they receive during the course of a transaction.
• The hologram on the $100.00 bill fades from gold to green when viewed from different angles.
• Anyone who deals in cash transactions should be aware of the security features of Canadian currency which are intended to deter counterfeiting and identify counterfeit bank notes.
• Compare a counterfeit bank note with a genuine one of the same denomination. Look for differences, not similarities.
• Counterfeit bank notes often share the same serial numbers.
• If you are given a counterfeit bill, make note of the passer’s description and if possible, obtain a licence number. Call police immediately. Handle the counterfeit note as little as possible to avoid obscuring fingerprints on the bill.
• To view security features of the $100 dollar bill please go to www.bankofcanada.ca
Police are reminding business owners, retail outlets, and the general public to be extra cautious when accepting Canadian 100 dollar bills.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact investigators with the Fraud Bureau at (905) 453-2121 ext.3340 . Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word “PEEL” and then your tip.