Leamington OPP is asking the public to be on alert, after counterfeit $100 bills were discovered over the past two days in the town.
OPP say 11 counterfeit bills were found at various businesses in Leamington. Police say the bills are “passable” at first glance, however many security features are missing.
The water mark of Sir Robert Borden, which sits to the left of the denomination in the bottom right hand corner, is missing. The raised print of the denomination on the bottom right hand corner and ‘Bank of Canada – Banque Du Canada’ on the left hand side is missing as well.
Most noticeable however, is the metallic stripe on the left hand side of the bill. Police say on a couple of the bills, the metallic stripe had peeled off. In addition, the paper, does not feel like real Canadian money.
In all cases, officers say someone entered a store in Leamington, made a small purchase, paid with the counterfeit $100 bill and received real currency in exchange.
One purchase involved gasoline.
Police are looking through security footage, in an attempt to identify suspects or vehicles.
The public is urged to examine all Canadian Journey Series $100 bills and compare it with a bill you know is real. If you suspect it is counterfeit contact police immediately.
