The Fort St. John RCMP is warning retailers about counterfeit currency potentially circulating in the city.
Police said a customer at a local fast-food restaurant attempted to pay with a counterfeit $50 bill, which appeared to have been fabricated using part of a $5 bill.
Mounties said the incident is part of a series of recent events involving fraudulent currency in Fort St. John.
The RCMP said counterfeit bills may be presented to retailer more frequently in the coming months, so businesses should be prepared.
These counterfeit bills usually have notable differences, including:
- Counterfeit bills may have the transparent strip and maple leaves present to appear authentic, but will be printed on regular paper, not polymer.
- Counterfeit bills, such as $50 ones, often contain the transparent strips from lower value $5.00 or $10.00 bills. The denomination on the transparent strip should match that of the bill.
- Multiple counterfeit bills will likely share the same serial number, as they usually replicate a single genuine bill.
“As a retailer, you have the right to refuse suspected counterfeit currency,” the RCMP said.
Anyone coming in contract with a suspected counterfeit bill is asked to contact the Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100.