Have an eye for counterfeit cash.
South Simcoe Police (SSP) say a resident was scammed during a Facebook Marketplace transaction with a woman in Toronto. The victim received three fake $100 bills. The resident discovered this at a bank in Bradford and was told by an employee that the bills were not legal tender.
"Upon closer inspection of the currency, the bills were lighter, a different material of paper and shade of colour, and slightly more transparent," SSP said in a news release. "Additionally, the clear portion is not consistent with real legal tender and all three bills in this incident shared the same serial number."
Police are urging businesses and the public to remain vigilant and to inspect their cash.
How to detect counterfeit bills:
- feel, look and flip: the polymer should feel smooth
- fake bills lack security features such as holograms
- original bills have raised ink on shoulders of the large portrait
- compare with a bill you know is real
If you suspect a counterfeit bill:
- politely refuse it
- ask for another form of payment
- contact the police if you encounter suspected counterfeit money
