The public is being warned by the Prince Albert Police Service about fake currency that has been making rounds in the Prince Albert area lately.
Several fraud reports involving the use of counterfeit banknotes at several establishments throughout the city have been handled by Prince Albert Police Service this month.
It is common for someone to enter a business, pay for an item with a counterfeit $100 or $50 note, and then receive real Canadian dollars in exchange.
Although the counterfeit banknotes lacked raised edges and have a slightly different color, they nonetheless have a comparable appearance to the real ones.
Photo: Counterfeit $50 bills / Provided by the Prince Albert Police Service
Photo: Counterfeit $100 bills / Provided by the Prince Albert Police Service
If you suspect you are being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation ensuring you aren’t at risk.
The Prince Albert Police recommend that you take the following steps if you suspect a counterfeit bill:
– Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect it may be counterfeit.
– Ask for another note and make sure to inspect it as well.
– Advise the person to check the note with police.
– Call police and inform them of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money.
– Be courteous and remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who is not aware the note is suspicious.
You can find more information on counterfeit prevention at the Bank of Canada website: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/.
Police are continuing to investigate in relation to these incidents and businesses and members of the public are asked to beware of these fake banknotes circulating around the city.
Anyone with information that may assist police in this investigation is asked to call 306-953-4222.
Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=248/.