The Fort St. John RCMP wants to inform the local community about a recent surge in counterfeit bills being used.
Photo from RCMP media release.
On Monday, August 26, 2024, Dairy Queen staff reported that a man attempted to buy items with a counterfeit $100 bill. The staff confiscated the bill and handed it over to the police for investigation. It is currently unclear whether the individual was aware that the bill was counterfeit.
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, a man tried to use a counterfeit $100 bill at Dairy Queen. When staff identified the bill as fake, the suspect retrieved it and left the premises.
Another incident occurred when a different man attempted to use a counterfeit $5 bill at Dairy Queen. The staff retained the fake bill and handed it over to the police for further investigation.
On the same day, a man visited the North Asian Food Store and tried to use a counterfeit $50 bill.
The same man returned to the North Asian Food Store and tried to use a counterfeit $100 bill on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Shortly afterward, the local KFC reported that a man attempted to use a counterfeit $50 bill.
“The Fort St John RCMP wants the community at large to be on the lookout for counterfeit cash, but businesses especially,” said Constable Chad NEUSTAETER, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP. “It is likely that with this many attempts to pass of counterfeit bills already that it may continue into the near future.”
As a business owner, you and your staff can take the following actions:
If you suspect a bill is counterfeit, courteously refuse it and ask for a different form of payment.
Suggest that the individual verify the bill with local police.
Notify the police if you receive a counterfeit bill or if someone attempts to use one.
All investigations are in their early stages, but the Fort St. John RCMP is actively looking into these incidents. They encourage anyone with information to contact them at 250-787-8100.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.
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