The Nanaimo RCMP is asking the public and retail stores to be aware of counterfeit Canadian $100 and $20 bills circulating in Nanaimo.
There have been four reported instances of purchases attempted with counterfeits this month, according to an RCMP media release. Three of the incidents involved $100 bills and one involved a $20 bill.
The serial number of the poorly constructed, old and weathered looking $100 bills was EJA8914981 and $20 bill serial number is AUV7313367, according to police.
The first reported occurrence was on Dec. 1, when a man purchased several antiques with three $100 bills. The clerk told RCMP the suspect pulled the bills out of a large wad in his front pants pocket. Police said the suspect was described as extremely aggressive and managed to persuade the clerk to agree to the purchase. Immediately afterwards, the clerk realized the error and reported the incident to police, according to the release.
“In each reported case, the counterfeit bills were of poor quality, ripped quite easily and the hologram sticker could be scratched off. These are not characteristics of legitimate bills and they should not be accepted,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
In two of the incidents with the fake $100’s the suspect is described as being a White male, 6 feet tall, muscular, with short hair and wearing a ball cap with a camoflouge bandana underneath. Police believe the incident involving the counterfeit $20 was likely an unrelated, isolated incident.
RCMP recommend refusing a bill if you suspect it is counterfeit and asking for another form of payment.
“Do not get drawn into an exchange with the customer and, if possible, alert other staff to your situation. When the customer has left the premises, only then call the police and report the incident,” the release reads.
Anyone with information on these incidents, can call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file #2021-44597.
