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Counterfeit currency floating around

Quesnel businesses and members of the public should be aware of counterfeit money
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A counterfeit money operation ended when VicPD apprehended a Vancouver man who had been in Victoria for two days

In recent weeks, the Prince George RCMP have been warning businesses in Prince George following a recent rash of counterfeit currency reported in that city.

Since January 1, 2018, the Prince George RCMP had received 17 reports from various businesses of people passing counterfeit currency, particularly United States’ $10, $20 and $50 bills. Some counterfeit Canadian currency has also been passed.

The Prince George RCMP urge staff of retail businesses to carefully check cash as it is passed, especially larger bills.

Quesnel RCMP Sgt. Chris Riddle said the local detachment has not seen any unusual trends yet.

“Hopefully we don’t.”

He suggests businesses go to their retailer readers to ensure they don’t take large bills from customer’s they don’t know.

Riddle suggests the general public remains vigilant when dealing with people they don’t know.

“Like they say, if the deal is too good it’s probably suspicious – meaning don’t trade a $100 bill for a $20 bill – yes I have seen that.”

If members of the public come into contact with a suspicious bill, normally the bank can confirm if it is real or counterfeit. If it is counterfeit, call the Quesnel RCMP at 250-992-9211, and police will investigate.

For more information about counterfeit checking, preventing and reporting, go to http://www.bankofcanada.ca.