Daily Herald Staff
The general public has been advised by the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) that counterfeit banknotes have recently been circulating around the city.
Over the last few days, members of the Prince Albert Police Service have responded to numerous fraud reports where counterfeit banknotes were used at businesses around the city, according to a PAPS press release. In many cases, an individual enters a business and pays for an item with a counterfeit $100 or $50 note and receives real Canadian currency in exchange.
The counterfeit banknotes look similar to real banknotes. However, the counterfeit ones are a slightly different colour and have no raised edges. Ink also may scratch off the counterfeit banknotes and they may have the same serial number.
If anyone suspects that he or she is being offered a counterfeit note, PAPS recommends assessing the situation to ensure you aren’t at risk. Then take the following steps: 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.
More information on counterfeit prevention can be found on the Bank of Canada website.
