A warning for businesses in the Saint John area to be on the lookout for counterfeit money.
Saint John police said they received complaints from three banks earlier in July involving $100 bills.
“It is a criminal offence to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money in Canada,” police said in a news release.
They are encouraging residents and businesses to carefully examine any cash they receive.
If a bill looks suspicious, police said trust your instincts and take steps to verify it before you accept it.
Things to be on the lookout for, according to the police force, include:
- Blurry or misaligned print
- Missing security features such as holograms or transparent windows
- Differences in texture and/or colour
- Ensure the image in the window changes colour
- Feel for raised ink on the main portrait by running your finger over it
- Check the window on the bill for tiny numbers matching the denomination
- Verify that the portrait in the window matches the main portrait
- Use a small, bright light to see tiny numbers in the maple leaf window
If you suspect that you have a bill that could be counterfeit or have information about the source of it, contact the Saint John Police Force at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
