London police are advising business owners to be suspicious of anyone trying to use old $100 bills, long since pulled from circulation.
Since April, 46 counterfeit bills that mimic the “Scenes of Canada” banknotes that were in circulation between 1969 and 1979 have been passed in London. In each case, the suspect makes a small item purchase, pays with the fake $100, and then receives genuine currency as change.
Merchants are now being encouraged to review their policies in relation to the acceptance of large bills and remain diligent in identifying counterfeit money.
All new banknotes from the Bank of Canada are polymer and feature holographic security areas, raised ink, hidden numbers, and metallic images. More information on how to spot fake bills can be found on the Bank of Canada's website.
Anyone who witnesses a person trying to pass a counterfeit banknote is asked to call 911 immediately.