— Steven Lin
RCMP are investigating counterfeit U.S. currencies being passed at various local businesses such as casinos, thrift stores, financial institutions, sports complexes, drug stores and restaurants throughout the Central Okanagan.
In Kelowna, RCMP have seized several counterfeit U.S. $20 and $50 bills from local financial institutions, after those bills were used to purchase commodities and services from numerous unsuspecting businesses throughout Central Okanagan.
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In April, RCMP started 10 police files in relation to fake U.S. currency being passed at many local businesses in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
“In most cases, these bogus bills are making it past the initial point of sale and being discovered by financial institution employees in the businesses’ nightly bank deposits,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
Several police investigations remain in progress at the moment as RCMP continue their efforts to determine several persons of interest.
“Our hope is to prevent further incidents where these fake bills are accepted by unsuspecting retailers in our community,” said Const. Jacqueline Montpetit of the Kelowna RCMP GIS Economic Crime Unit. “We recommend that business owners and operators review their policies and ensure that their employees familiarize themselves with the detection of counterfeit currency.”
RELATED: Mounties warn against potential Kelowna counterfeit scam
For a useful resource regarding security features on US currency, please click here.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP GIS Economic Crime Unit at 250-762-3300, or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. People can contact by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
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