Local businesses are being warned to watch out for a growing wave of fake U.S. bills making their way into Kelowna shops.
The RCMP say they’ve seen a spike in counterfeit American currency—particularly $20 and $50 notes—circulating throughout the Central Okanagan.
“Counterfeit bills can result in direct financial losses for businesses and independent retailers, especially small businesses like convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants,” said Cpl. Allison Konsmo.
These types of businesses may not have the tools or training to detect them and may be more likely to accept cash quickly during busy hours without being able to thoroughly inspect them, she added.
While counterfeit bills may look real at first glance, there are usually a few telltale signs:
- No or incorrect watermarks
- Missing security thread
- Unusual texture
- Blurry or misaligned print
- Off-colour ink
- Repeated serial numbers across different bills
What businesses can do:
- Train staff to recognize genuine bills and common signs of fakes
- Use detection tools like counterfeit detection pens or UV scanners
- Stay informed with resources from the Bank of Canada on spotting counterfeit currency
RCMP urge businesses to report suspicious activity right away, and not to return the fake bill to the customer. Instead, try to get a description of the individual, place the bill in a bag or envelope, and handle it as little as possible.
“By staying vigilant, educating staff, and using proper detection tools, businesses can reduce their risk and help authorities combat this growing issue,” Konsmo said.
If you believe you've received counterfeit currency, contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
For more info on how to identify fake bills, visit the Bank of Canada’s counterfeit prevention site.
