Hamilton Police Service is advising members of the public and local businesses of a recent increase in counterfeit Canadian banknotes being circulated throughout the city. These counterfeit notes have been passed both in retail environments and during private transactions arranged through online buy-and-sell platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.

The counterfeit bills are designed to imitate the current polymer $20, $50, and $100 notes and are notably high quality. However, they lack the legitimate security features found in genuine Canadian currency.

Identifying Counterfeit Banknotes

While the counterfeit notes may appear authentic at first glance, close inspection may reveal the following indicators:

• Multiple counterfeit notes may share the same serial number.
• The words “Prop Money”, “For Motion Picture Use”, or other foreign writing may appear within the holographic strip or elsewhere on the note.
• The holographic strip may appear as a sticker that can be removed or is taped into the transparent window.
• The colour and print quality may be dull, uneven, or peeling.
• The thickness and texture of the note may differ from genuine polymer currency.

What to Do if You Suspect a Counterfeit Note

If you believe you are being presented with a counterfeit banknote:

1. Ensure your safety first. Do not take any action that could put you at risk.
2. Politely refuse to accept the note and request a different one.
3. Inspect all notes carefully before accepting them.
4. Remember: the person presenting the note may not realize it is counterfeit.

Police are also reminding members of the public that a buy and sell exchange zone is located at the Mountain Station at 400 Rymal Road East, Hamilton to meet when buying or selling items.

For further information on the security features of genuine Canadian bank notes, please refer to the Bank of Canada’s website at www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes

Anyone who suspects they have received counterfeit currency is encouraged to report it to Hamilton Police by calling 905-546-4925 or by visiting any police station. Anonymous information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.