Counterfeit Money Alert

Note that the fake bill (top) has lost a lot of reflective vibrancy in the transparent stripe and maple leaf window. The transparent area of the middle window is from an actual five dollar bill, but the plastic film above it has lessened it’s reflective qualities. In a real bill (below) the numbers in the windows match the value of the currency note..

The real bill (bottom) is smooth and consistent throughout, where as the transparent window in the fake bill (top) is inconsistent and bumps and ridges are visible on close inspection.

The Regina Police Service would like to make people aware of the presence of counterfeit money that has recently been passed to a variety of businesses in Regina and surrounding area.

The counterfeit money that has recently been passed are the new polymer series in denominations of $100 bills and $50 bills.

All persons and businesses should check their polymer money and be aware of the following factors:

• The large transparent window on the new bills contains small numbers. The small numbers in this window should match the amount of the denomination. For example, if it is a $100 bill, the small numbers in the window should read “100” and not any other number.
• The transparent window should feel smooth with the rest of the bill.

The counterfeit money that has recently been passed does not have the small numbers in the window matching the denomination of the bill.  As well, the counterfeit window has tape on the transparent window which becomes apparent just by feeling the bill.

It is important to know that any person can refuse to accept a suspicious bill.  Just because the bills are legal tender does not mean that someone has to accept them.  Ask for another one.

Businesses are asked to contact 911 for immediate response to suspected passes of counterfeit money.  Handle the counterfeit bill as little as possible and place in an envelope for retention. Please note as much information about the suspect as possible.

If you have any information regarding the counterfeit currency being passed in Regina and area, please contact the Regina Police Service or Crime Stoppers.