The Kelowna RCMP have issued a public warning regarding counterfeit Canadian currency in the Central Okanagan.

Recently, there’s been an influx of fake bills passing through various retail outlets in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country.

Photo Credit: Bank of Canada

Police say there’s been 44 documented incidents since Dec. 1, 2019 and several investigations remain ongoing to try and identify several persons of interest.

“Kelowna RCMP hope to prevent further incidents where these fake bills are accepted by unsuspecting retailers in our community,” states Cst. Solana Paré. 

“We recommend that business owners and operators review their policies and ensure that their employees familiarize themselves with the detection of counterfeit currency.”

If you suspect someone is trying to give you counterfeit currency, the RCMP suggest you do the following:

• Explain to the person that gave you the note that you think the bill may be counterfeit and ask for another bill (the person may not be aware of the counterfeit note).
• Advise them that the suspected counterfeit bill should be given to local police for verification.
• Record the details about the circumstances and person/(s) who gave the suspect note (time, context, descriptors of suspect of vehicle).
• Notify police of the attempt to pass a suspected counterfeit bill.

You can do the final step by calling the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.