Fort St John sees sudden rash of counterfeit cash

The Fort St John RCMP wishes to advise the local community about a rash of counterfeit bills that individuals have tried to use recently.

On Monday, August, 26, 2024, the local Dairy Queen reported a man tried to purchase items with a counterfeit $100 bill. Staff seized the money and turned it over to police as part of the investigation. Currently, it is unknown if the person knew they were issuing a fraudulent bill.

On Tuesday August 27, 2024, a man attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill at the Dairy Queen. Staff noticed the bill was counterfeit and the suspect grabbed it back and left.

Again, a different man had attempted to use a counterfeit $5 bill at the Dairy Queen which was retained by staff and passed on to police for investigation.

That same day, a man attended the North Asian Food Store and attempted to use a counterfeit $50 bill.

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the same man returned to the North Asian Food Store and attempted to pay with a counterfeit $100 bill.

A short time later, the local KFC reported a man who tired to pass a counterfeit $50 bill.

The Fort St John RCMP wants the community at large to be on the lookout for counterfeit cash, but businesses especially, said Constable Chad NEUSTAETER, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP. It is likely that with this many attempts to pass of counterfeit bills already that it may continue into the near future.

What can you or your staff do as a business owner:

• If you suspect a bill is counterfeit, you can politely refuse it and request a different bill,
• Advise the person to check the bill with local police,
• Report to police if you believe a received bill is counterfeit or if a possible attempt was made to pass suspected counterfeit money.

All of the investigations are in the early stages but the Fort St John RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information in any of these matters to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.

For counterfeit prevention tips go to Canadian banknote security features - Bank of Canada