News release

RCMP warn of counterfeit $50 and $100 bills circulating in community

February 26, 2026 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
From: Nanaimo RCMP

Content

Nanaimo file # 2026-4056

Nanaimo RCMP is warning the public about an increase in counterfeit $50 and $100 Canadian bank notes being circulated throughout the city. 

In the past 2 months, Nanaimo RCMP have received at least 17 separate reports of high-quality counterfeit $50 and $100 bank notes being used at various businesses. 

The seized counterfeit notes:

• All have identical serial numbers.
• Are made from a similar plastic to that used by genuine currency.
• Include a holographic sticker meant to imitate genuine embedded security measures. 
• The holographic stripe on the one side can be peeled off.

“In Canada, it’s an offence to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money,” says Cst. Alexa Blacklock of Nanaimo RCMP  “And if you unknowingly accept counterfeit cash as legal tender, you can’t be reimbursed; you’re on the hook for the loss. Being familiar with the security features of genuine bank notes will help you spot counterfeits at a glance, protecting yourself from fraud.”

If accepting cash, Nanaimo businesses are encouraged to check the bank notes to ensure they’re proper legal tender. Resources on how to verify a bank note’s security features can be found on the Bank of Canada’s website: Bank of Canada - Counterfeit Prevention

Anyone with information on counterfeit currency or to report a crime is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.

Associated links

• Bank of Canada

Contacts