Police have issued a warning after counterfeit money was spotted in Oak Bay last week.
On Aug. 22, a local financial institution contacted Oak Bay Police to report a fake $100 bill identified by an automatic bill counter. The bill was part of a deposit from an unknown business location.
Upon inspection, the bill was determined to be counterfeit due to its offset holographic overlay, clear window lacking security features and small print on the reverse side reading “Prop Money.”
Similar counterfeit bills bearing serial numbers GJR6710020 and GJR6710021 have been reported in other jurisdictions in British Columbia and across Canada.
Police are warning business owners to verify large denomination bills and review security features with staff.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP issued a similar warning after officers were called for a fake $100 bill on Aug. 21. Media relations officer Const. Bene Bartley said in a news release that the bill was a prop that can be purchased online and in different denominations.
Resources for identifying counterfeit currency are available at bankofcanada.ca.
Those with information about this incident have been asked to contact the Oak Bay Police Department at 250-592-2424 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
