Quinte West OPP is warning residents of counterfeit $100 bills circulating in the area.
According to police, investigations into the “convincingly detailed bills” which continue to be found in the area are ongoing.
In the meantime, police are urging residents to exercise vigilance and to inspect bills thoroughly using the “feel, look and flip method.”
This means feel the note:
- Raised ink: “Bank of Canada” and main portrait should feel slightly raised.
- Texture: Genuine Canadian bills are printed on a smooth polymer and should not feel like paper.
This means look at the bill:
- Transparent window: Check the large transparent window, 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.
- Frosted maple leaf: Look for the small, frosted maple leaf window.
- Details: Genuine notes have crisp and clear text and intricate details, and the holographic strip should be flush with the note.
This means flip the bill:
- Color shifting: When you tilt the bill, the metallic portrait in the large transparent window should change colour.
- Mirror image: Look for a mirror image of the metallic portrait and building on the other side of the large window.
- Other tips: Check if serial numbers are duplicated; genuine bills will have a unique serial number. If a bill has a slightly different colour, pictures that wear off easily, large creases in the middle or feel like regular paper, it may be fake.
Police also urge residents who suspect they’re in possession of a counterfeit bill to reach out to OPP or bring it to their bank.
