After a surge in reports of counterfeit $100 bills circulating in the Quinte West area over the past week, police have issued a warning.
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, Quinte West OPP issued a warning saying that over the past week police have investigated several incidents involving counterfeit $100 bills.
What’s more, to avoid falling victim to counterfeit money, police are urging residents to inspect bills thoroughly and use the “feel, look and flip method.”
This means “feel the note” and the texture. Genuine Canadian bills are printed on a smooth polymer and should not feel like paper, said police, adding to also take note of “raised ink” – “Bank of Canada” and the main portrait should feel slightly raised.
Further police stressed that people need to look at the bills and check the large transparent window as it should contain a metallic portrait and building that match the main image on the front of the bill and the bills’ denomination will appear as a “starburst.”
People should also look for the small, frosted maple leaf window, and further details like genuine notes have crisp and clear text and intricate details, and the holographic strip should be “flush” with the note.
The “flip the bill” portions mean when you tilt the bill that the metallic portrait in the large transparent window should change colour. People can also look for a mirror image of the metallic portrait and building on the other side of the large window, explained police.
Another tip includes checking whether serial numbers are duplicated – genuine bills have a unique serial number.
“If a bill has a slightly different colour, pictures that wear off easily, large creases in the middle or feels like regular paper, it may be fake.”
For people who suspect they’re in possession of a counterfeit bill, contact police or bring it to the bank, added OPP.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
