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Be aware of counterfeit U.S. currency

Police have received numerous reports over the last month of U.S. counterfeit currency
DO NOT USE 20150831 Barrie Police Station Sign KA 032
File photo of Barrie Police Station. Kenneth Armstrong/BarrieToday

NEWS RELEASE

BARRIE POLICE SERVICE

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The Barrie Police Service has received numerous reports over the last month of U.S. counterfeit currency. The counterfeit currency has been passed at several retail stores and restaurants throughout the City of Barrie.

The suspects have been passing $20 and $50 US counterfeit bills and purchasing small ticket items and receiving the change in Canadian Currency.

img_3270Supplied photo

Investigators have received and are reviewing video surveillance in attempts to identify the suspects. It is important that merchants educate themselves and their employees on knowing what to look for to recognize counterfeit American Currency as well as counterfeit Canadian Currency.

If you have US counterfeit currency in your possession you are asked to avoid handling the bill and carefully place it into an envelope or a clear sandwich bag and contact the Barrie Police Service. If you are unsure of the currency authenticity, follow these steps to certify the real value of your money. 

  1. Counterfeit money will often feel distinctly different from authentic money.
  2. Genuine money is often thinner than counterfeit money.
  3. Compare the bill with another legit bill of the same denomination.
  4. Inspect the printing quality. Portraits in fake bills may appear dull, blurred and flat.
  5. Examine the serial numbers; each bill will have a different serial number.

Check the security features on the bill.The bills will be equipped with a security thread (plastic strip) that runs vertically and the bill will have watermarks.

A watermark bearing the image of the person whose portrait is on the bill can be found on all $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills series. The watermark is embedded in the paper to the right of the portrait and should be visible from both sides of the bill.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Barrie Police Intelligence Unit at 705-725-7025 ext.2165, or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.tipsubmit.ca.

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