Image courtesy of Halton Police
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is warning residents and businesses to be cautious following an increase in counterfeit currency being circulated across the region.
Officers received 92 reports involving counterfeit banknotes in 2025. Many of the incidents involved suspects using fake bills to purchase items through online marketplaces such as Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, while counterfeit notes have also been detected at retail businesses.
Police say counterfeit banknotes can appear genuine at first glance, but closer inspection often reveals warning signs. These can include repeated serial numbers on multiple bills, wording such as “Prop Money” or “For Motion Picture Use,” holographic strips that appear taped or removable, incorrect denominations, dull or peeling colours, poor print quality, or a texture and thickness that differs from legitimate Canadian polymer banknotes.
If a banknote is suspected to be counterfeit, police advise prioritizing personal safety, politely declining the bill, and requesting another form of payment. Residents and business owners are encouraged to carefully examine cash during transactions, particularly private sales, and to remember that the person presenting the note may not realize it is fake.
For more information about the security features found on genuine Canadian banknotes, click here.
Anyone with information related to the use or circulation of counterfeit currency is asked to contact the HRPS Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something?” Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online.
