The Huron County OPP detachment is reporting a significant rise in the number of counterfeit currency investigations from previous years.
In the first five months of this year, there have been 22 cases where counterfeit money has been passed to retailers and banking institutions in Huron County. Denominations of the counterfeit bills have ranged from $5 to $100 in both Canadian and American currency.
Four of these investigations have resulted in charges.
In an effort to educate and protect local retailers from counterfeit currency losses, the OPP and Libro Credit Union will be hosting a "Counterfeit Money and Fraud" seminar.
It's scheduled on Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm at the Libro Community Hall, on Bill Fleming Dr. in Clinton.
Anyone who handles money on a regular basis is encouraged to attend the seminar. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online at www.tinyurl.com/y924yn6z or by calling 519-482-3466.
For those that are unable to attend, the following advice is provided:
-If you have been offered a counterfeit note during a transaction, assess the situation to ensure you are not at risk, then politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that it may be counterfeit; -Ask for another note; (and check it too) -Advise the person to check the note with local police; -Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money.
It's important to remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious. If you suspect a note is counterfeit after a transaction please contact local police for further investigation.
For more information and resources on bank note security features, including U.S. currency, the following link to the Bank of Canada is provided: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention