The London Beat London, Ontario’s stream of consciousness
The London Police Service’s Financial Crime Unit is continuing to see counterfeit $100 ‘Scenes of Canada’ series banknotes. In the last few months, 46 of the banknotes have been passed in the City of London. In most cases, the suspects purchase a small item to receive genuine currency in return.
The counterfeit bills in London are paper bills that mimic those in circulation from 1969 -1979. Merchants can go to the Bank of Canada website to obtain more information about which counterfeit bank notes are being circulated.
These bills are now out of circulation, so retailers should be very suspicious of anyone trying to use these bills for payment of a retail purchase.
LPS encourage all businesses to review policies with regards to the acceptance of large bills, and remain diligent in identifying any counterfeit monies. For further information on how to spot counterfeit bills, visit the Bank of Canada website.
If you witness someone attempting to pass a counterfeit bank note, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Anyone with information in relation to these incidents is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.
