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Counterfeit cash in circulation

Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are warning area businesses and the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit American currency

Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are warning area businesses and the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit American currency.

In the last month, there have been numerous reports throughout the Okanagan of fake $20 and $50 U.S. bills being found in the region.

At least three counterfeit bills have been found in Vernon and a couple of other neighbouring communities have reported receiving the funny money. All cases so far have involved counterfeit U.S. $20 and $50 bills.

“All businesses are urged to carefully check the authenticity of any currency prior to accepting it as payment,” said Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy.

The three cases in Vernon are related to a couple of grocery stores and a bank, who received the fake bill in a night deposit.

If you believe you have a fake bill, or have information in regards to the counterfeit currency, call your local RCMP detachment.

“We believe it’s probably all related and we’d like to be able to track the movements on this,” said Noseworthy, who added that the fake bills are “fairly good counterfeits.”

Noseworthy said there are some online sites that will show the public and businesses the security features for American bills.

“If you have any questions for any bills you do have, you can contact the RCMP and we’ll investigate the bill and confirm whether it’s authentic or counterfeit,” she said.

There are no suspects in the matter.