Barrie Police are warning the public after counterfeit $50 and $100 bills were used in recent transactions, including purchases made through private online sales.
The counterfeit bills have been used by individuals purchasing items from sellers on Facebook Marketplace, as well as at a local retailer earlier this month.
A 19-year-old man was arrested without incident on Tuesday, September 22nd, in the area of Worsley Street after officers recognized him as a wanted individual. He faces two counts of using counterfeit money and failing to comply with a release order.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who believes they may have unknowingly accepted a counterfeit $50 or $100 bill is asked to contact the lead investigator by email.
Police are reminding retailers and people selling items through Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms to take time to examine cash before completing a transaction, particularly when accepting larger denomination bills.
The Bank of Canada recommends using the “Feel, Look, Tilt and Flip” method to check Canadian banknotes. Genuine polymer notes have a smooth, unique texture and raised ink on features including the large number, portrait and “Bank of Canada” lettering.
People should also check the large transparent window, ensuring the metallic portrait matches the large portrait on the front of the note and that the numbers around the window match the denomination. The word “Canada” in the transparent window should be transparent and slightly raised.
When tilting the note, the metallic features should change colour. After flipping the note over, the metallic features in the transparent window should appear in the same colours and detail on the other side.
For more information on identifying counterfeit currency, click here.
