The Niagara Regional Police Service has seen an increase in the passing of counterfeit US $50 and $100 notes. The notes are being passed in a variety of local businesses by individuals making small purchases, and in turn, making payment using a US $50 or $100 counterfeit note in exchange for real currency. Individuals or businesses who, knowingly or not, accept counterfeit currency bear the loss.
If you suspect someone has given you a counterfeit note, your personal safety is the utmost priority. It is possible that the person passing the note is unaware that the note may be counterfeit. Advise the person that you suspect the bill is counterfeit and decline to accept it. Ask for another note or method of payment. Advise the person to have the note checked by the police. Do not detain the individual but report the incident to the Niagara Regional Police Service.
If you suspect that you have received a counterfeit note, contact the Niagara Regional Police Service who will have the note analyzed.
For more information on counterfeit currency and the security features used to detect and deter the passing of counterfeit Canadian and US currency, visit the following websites:
http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/
http://www.newmoney.gov/
Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone – 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online – www.niagaratips.com
Text – 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip.
Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous through any of the methods offered to provide tips. You may also be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if the information leads to an arrest.
Source: NRP
