Counterfeit Canadian Currency on the Rise: What You Need to Know
Across Canada, police forces are issuing warnings about a surge in counterfeit currency. From Prince Albert to Winnipeg to Brantford, fake $20, $50, and $100 bills are being passed at local businesses — often going undetected until it’s too late.
While counterfeit notes are not new, experts say the quality of these fakes is among the best seen in a generation. That means it’s more important than ever for businesses and individuals to stay vigilant.
A Growing Problem Across Canada
- Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Police reported several incidents where individuals used counterfeit $100 and $50 bills to make purchases and receive genuine currency in return. These fakes were slightly off in colour, had no raised ink, and the ink could easily scratch off. In some cases, multiple bills carried the exact same serial number.
- Winnipeg, Manitoba – Authorities seized over $12,000 in counterfeit cash in just the first quarter of 2025 — more than double the reports from the same time last year. The notes, often sold online under the guise of “prop money” for movies, are so realistic that even business owners struggle to spot them. Police note these bills often feature serial numbers GJR6710018 through GJR6710022.
- Brantford, Ontario – Police have received 52 reports of counterfeit bills already in 2025, leading to five arrests. Many of these fake $100 bills also carried the “Prop Money” label and showed signs of discolouration or peeling.
Across all jurisdictions, police believe some of these fakes are being shipped into Canada in bulk from overseas. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have even been used to advertise counterfeit notes disguised as props.
Why Counterfeit Notes Are Hard to Spot
Fraudulent bills today are designed to mimic Canada’s durable polymer currency. They often:
- Feel real at first touch
- Replicate some genuine security features
- Contain detailed holographic elements
- Circulate widely before being flagged at banks
Small details can give them away, such as:
- Slight differences in colour
- Holographic strips that are raised instead of flush
- Pictures that wear off or crease like paper
- The words “Prop Money” hidden in print or holograms
Because many Canadians now use debit and credit more often than cash, fewer people are familiar with the look and feel of genuine notes — making it easier for fakes to slip through.
How to Protect Yourself
Spotting Fakes
- Always inspect banknotes before accepting them.
- Check for raised ink, transparent windows, and holograms.
- Compare serial numbers — no two bills of the same denomination should match.
- Remember: real bills do not have “Prop Money” printed on them.
What to Do if You Suspect a Fake
- Politely refuse the note and ask for another.
- Advise the person to check the bill with police.
- Stay calm and courteous — they may be an innocent victim.
- Report the incident to local police.
If You Already Accepted a Counterfeit
- Do not try to spend it.
- Bring it to your local police and provide details about how you received it.
- If the bill is genuine, it will be returned to you.
Important Reminder: It is a criminal offence to knowingly use or pass counterfeit money.
The Cost of Counterfeit Bills
Unfortunately, anyone who accepts a fake bill takes the financial loss — banks and credit unions will not replace counterfeit money with real currency. For small businesses already facing theft and rising retail crime, counterfeit currency adds yet another challenge.
Some business owners are training staff to carefully check bills, limiting high-cash transactions, or refusing large denominations altogether.
Stay Alert, Stay Informed
Counterfeit currency may look convincing, but there are always signs if you know where to look. Protect yourself and your community by staying alert, learning the security features of Canadian banknotes, and reporting suspicious activity.
For more resources on spotting genuine bills, visit the Bank of Canada:www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes or reach out the The Smith Investigation Agency.
