News release

Fake money: fraudulent currency use on the rise in Merritt

March 14, 2026 - Merritt, BC, British Columbia
From: Merritt RCMP

Content

Merritt RCMP are wanting the public and local business owners to be aware that they are seeing an increase in fraudulent currency usage within the city, specifically with counterfeit $100 and $50 Canadian currency notes.

Over the last number of weeks, reports of fraudulent bank notes has increased, specifically amongst the local businesses within Merritt. Police are advising that these fake bills are so well done that many people involved are innocently using them for transactions and are not aware that they are in possession of fake currency, and then using that currency to complete purchases.

Local business owners are unknowingly accepting fake bills and that becomes a problem for them when the business owner goes to the bank to complete a deposit.

"I realize that right now some of the media out there is saturated with reports of fake Canadian currency. The amount of fake cash circulating in Merritt these days is high. The Merritt RCMP are trying to highlight the fact that this is impacting our locals here in Merritt and are trying to get the word out to them specifically. Be diligent with the authenticity of your cash, learn some of the common ways to check the validity of your money and report any occurrences of fake cash", says Cst. Blake Chursinoff of the Merritt RCMP.

The Bank of Canada offers a simple, easy way to remember how to identify fake currency. Feel, look, tilt and flip; with more information provided at that website.

Contacts