Residents and businesses in Timmins are being urged to exercise heightened vigilance after local police reported a sharp rise in counterfeit currency being passed in the community. Authorities announced this week that there has been a notable surge in fake $50 and $100 bills over the past two months.
A Growing Problem for the Community
The Timmins Police Service has issued a public advisory following an uptick in incidents involving forged banknotes. The counterfeit activity has specifically targeted higher denomination bills, with both $50 and $100 notes being circulated fraudulently. This trend poses a direct financial threat to local businesses and individuals who may unknowingly accept the fake money, suffering a total loss.
While the police did not release an exact figure for the number of counterfeit notes seized or reported, they emphasized that the increase is significant and warrants community-wide awareness. The circulation of such high-value fakes can impact local commerce and erode trust in cash transactions.
How to Identify Fake Currency
Police are reminding the public to carefully inspect banknotes, especially $50 and $100 bills, during transactions. Key security features to check include:
- The transparent window: A large, clear window with metallic imagery that is complex and detailed.
- Raised ink: Feel for raised ink on the large number, the shoulders of the portrait, and the words "Bank of Canada."
- Metallic portrait: A metallic foil portrait that matches the larger printed portrait.
- The security thread: A vertical thread woven into the paper that reads "CANADA" and the denomination.
"Taking a moment to check these features can prevent a financial loss," a police representative stated. Businesses are encouraged to train staff on these verification techniques and consider using counterfeit detection pens or ultraviolet lights for high-volume cash handling.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspect Bill
If you suspect you have been given a counterfeit note, Timmins police advise against confronting the person who gave it to you. Instead, you should:
- Politely refuse the note and explain you believe it may not be authentic.
- If possible, note a physical description of the individual and any vehicle information.
- Contact the Timmins Police Service immediately to report the incident.
- Limit handling of the suspected bill and place it in an envelope to preserve potential evidence.
The investigation is ongoing as police work to identify the source of the counterfeit operation. The surge was officially noted by police in January 2026, highlighting an active and current threat to the local economy. Authorities are collaborating with the Bank of Canada and other financial institutions as part of their probe.
This wave of counterfeit activity serves as a critical reminder for all Northern Ontario communities to stay alert. Protecting yourself starts with knowledge and a cautious approach to cash transactions.
