Kelowna RCMP are seeking this man following a rash of counterfeit bills being reported in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RCMP
January 26, 2018 - 2:39 PM
KELOWNA - A rash of counterfeit money has RCMP cautioning the public to be wary when accepting $50 and $100 bills as they search for a person of interest.
Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a press release today, Jan. 26, police have responded to a wave of counterfeiting reports regarding the passing of $50 and $100 bank notes to merchants in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country.
The bills have been typically used to make small purchases where the customer receives a large part of the bill back in change.
The offences have been taking place at a variety of businesses, including gas stations, retail outlets, coffee shops and pharmacies.
“In most cases the customer has been provided with change, after making a small purchase using a counterfeit bill,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “In other cases, the customer purchases a more expensive item at one store with the phony money, then immediately returns that item for real cash at another store location of the same franchise.”
Police have released a surveillance image of a person-of-interest, who police believe could be connected to at least one of the incidents.
West Kelowna RCMP seized a $100 counterfeit bill, which is not symmetrical, cut poorly to the degree it was narrow at one end and taped together using what appeared to be a hologram from a $10 bill.
Police are advising retailers to be especially careful of taking large bills during busy periods and pay attention to customers who pay with much higher denomination bank notes than is needed.
If a suspected bill is taken, retain the bill and refrain from handling it. Record as many specific details about the circumstances and the person who passed the note.
More information can be found on the RCMP website.
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