WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT NOTE
- Stop the transaction, request another note, and if possible, keep the suspected counterfeit
- Call the local police.
- Record the details of how you received the note (time, number of notes, denomination, context, description of the individual(s) who gave you the note, etc.)
- Give the note only to the police, and always request a receipt. (If the note is genuine, it will be returned to you.)
REMEMBER
- Always check two or more security features.
- Compare a suspect note with one you know to be genuine.
- The authenticity of a bank note may be in question, not necessarily the integrity of the person passing it.
- Those who pass counterfeit notes may be innocent victims of crime.
- You can check bank notes without special instruments. The Bank of Canada cannot endorse any product or provide any warranty for devices used to validate security features on bank notes.
- It is a Criminal offence to knowingly use or possess a counterfeit bank note.
- The reproduction of bank notes is restricted under the Criminal Code and the Copyright Act.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Bank of Canada provides a variety of training tools and information to help you quickly, easily, and reliably identify genuine bank notes. Please contact:
Bank of Canada
Toll-free: 1-888-513-8212
Facsimile: (613) 782-7533
E-mail: education@bankofcanada.ca
www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes
