Media advisory
Police warn of increase counterfeit bills circulating in community
March 2, 2026
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North Vancouver, British Columbia
From: North Vancouver RCMP
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Police warn of increase counterfeit bills circulating in community
North Vancouver RCMP is warning the public about an increase in counterfeit $50 and $100 Canadian bank notes being circulated throughout North Vancouver.
In the past 2 months, North Vancouver RCMP have received at least 11 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.
“In Canada, it’s an offence under the Criminal Code to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money,” said Corporal Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver 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, 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 North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.