Campbell River RCMP Investigating Counterfeit Currency

Campbell River RCMP and other RCMP detachments are investigating an increase in the passing of counterfeit currency in Central Island communities.

The Campbell River RCMP and other RCMP detachments are investigating an increase in the passing of counterfeit currency in Central Island communities.

Since January 1st - 23 reports of counterfeit currency being passed have been reported to the Campbell River RCMP and over 20 other reports have come in to other Central Island communities north of Nanaimo.

The predominant denominations of counterfeit currency tend to be $50 bills and $100 bills and it seems that the artists and bill passers are taking advantage of a lack of training for clerks in identifying counterfeit bills.

Modern legitimate Canadian bills:

– Made from polymer not paper

– Have even edge cuts

– Have holograms of the Prime Minister and Parliament clock tower embedded in the clear polymer

– Edges around maple leaf are transparent

Upon quick examination of the fraudulent Frontier Series $100 notes, it’s easy to see that no hologram pictures exist as it is merely tape over tin foil.

If you wish to know more about counterfeit prevention, visit the Bank of Canada website or contact the Campbell River RCMP.