The Regina Police Service is advising business owners and members of the public to be aware that there are counterfeit Canadian bills in circulation in Regina.
The Regina Police Service has received over 30 counterfeit bills since October 18, 2010. Most of the counterfeit bills were detected once they had reached banks in Regina and it appears they were passed at a variety of local businesses including restaurants, gas stations and sporting goods, clothing and department stores. The bills are of all denominations.
Business owners should educate staff on the security features of Canadian currency. The website of the Bank of Canada has very detailed information at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes/index.html. Business owners should also counsel staff on what to do if they suspect currency to be counterfeit. The method of payment in any transaction has to be acceptable to the seller, so a business may refuse to take currency suspected to be counterfeit. Instead, employees should note a description of the person and phone police immediately. It may be that the individual in possession of the bill is unaware that it is counterfeit.
An investigation by police would determine the appropriate action. Anyone who comes into possession of a bill suspected to be counterfeit should contact police. Police also remind the public that anyone who knowingly passes a counterfeit bill is committing a criminal offence and is subject to prosecution.
More information about detecting counterfeit currency can be found at the website of the Bank of Canada at http://ww.bankofcanada.ca . The Regina Police Service thanks the media and the public for their attention to this matter.