Barrie Police are warning the public about counterfeit $50 and $100 bills being used in recent transactions in the city.
Police say the fake bills have been used to buy items from people selling things through Facebook Marketplace, as well a local retailer earlier this month.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday in the area of Worsley Street after officers recognized him as a wanted individual.
He faces two counts of using counterfeit money and failing to comply with a release order.
Police are asking anyone who believes they may have unknowingly accepted a counterfeit $50 or $100 bill to contact the lead investigator by email at 11514@barriepolice.ca.
Police remind retailers and anyone selling items through Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms to take a moment to examine the money before completing a transaction.
"Sellers should be particularly cautious when accepting large denomination bills," police said in a media release.
The Bank of Canada(opens in new tab) recommends using the ‘Feel, Look, Tilt and Flip’ method to spot a fake money note.
Feel:
- Canadian polymer notes have a smooth, unique texture.
- Genuine notes have raised ink on areas including the large number, the portrait and the words Bank of Canada.
Look:
- Check the large transparent window.
- The metallic portrait should match the large portrait on the front of the note.
- Check that the numbers in and around the transparent window match the denomination.
- The word Canada in the transparent window should be transparent and slightly raised.
Tilt and flip:
Flip the note over and check that the metallic features in the transparent window appear in the same colours and detail on the other side.
Tilt the note and look for colour changes in the metallic features.
