The Oceanside RCMP have issued a warning to all businesses in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area regarding counterfeit bills.
Police have received four calls this month that involve the use or attempted use of counterfeit currency.
Denominations accounted for include a $100 Canadian bill, a last generation $20 Canadian bill, a $5 Canadian bill and a $100 US bill.
READ MORE: Parksville Qualicum Beach crime report: Bank discovers counterfeit Canadian currency
“Should you encounter what you believe to be a counterfeit bill, please call the RCMP so that a file can be created, the bill examined and entered into the police database,” said Cpl. Jess Foreman of the Oceanside RCMP, in a release.
He advised that, should anyone suspect the use of a counterfeit bill after a transaction, they call the police and provide them with the note. The police say they should be informed of any possible counterfeiting activity in the community, as timely reporting helps police and prosecutors bring counterfeiters to justice. Reporting to the RCMP is another way to help fellow business operators, as the police can issue a press release should a series of attempts to pass fake bills happen within the community.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
