The Merritt RCMP are warning local residents and business owners about an increase in fraudulent Canadian currency circulating in the city. The rise has been particularly noticeable with $50 and $100 bills.

Police say the counterfeit notes are so realistic that many people are unknowingly accepting and using them in everyday transactions. Business owners often only discover the bills are fake when attempting to deposit them at banks.

Constable Blake Chursinoff says the volume of counterfeit cash in Merritt is significant and urged vigilance. “The amount of fake cash circulating here is high. Be diligent with checking the authenticity of your money and report any suspicious notes to police,” Chursinoff said.

The Bank of Canada offers a simple method to verify bills: feel, look, tilt, and flip. Residents and business owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these steps to avoid accepting counterfeit money.

Anyone who encounters suspected fraudulent currency is asked to contact the Merritt RCMP immediately.

For more information on how to identify fake bills, visit the Bank of Canada’s website.