Sudbury Businesses Targeted by Counterfeit Money Operation
Police in Greater Sudbury have issued an urgent public alert about counterfeit $50 and $100 bills circulating throughout the community. The fake currency has already caused significant financial losses for local businesses that unknowingly accepted the fraudulent bills.
The alert was officially released on November 15, 2025, with authorities warning both business owners and residents to exercise increased vigilance when handling cash transactions. The counterfeit operation appears to be targeting various establishments across the Greater Sudbury area.
How to Identify Counterfeit Currency
Business owners should pay close attention to several security features when examining larger denomination bills. Genuine Canadian currency includes multiple security elements that are difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately.
Key features to verify include the raised ink, holographic stripes, transparent windows, and the distinctive texture of authentic polymer bills. Police recommend using counterfeit detection pens or ultraviolet lights for additional verification, especially during busy periods when visual inspection might be rushed.
Financial Impact on Local Businesses
When businesses accept counterfeit money, they bear the entire financial burden as banks will not reimburse fraudulent currency. This means that merchants lose both the goods or services provided and the face value of the fake bills.
The Sudbury police emphasize that businesses should train all staff members who handle cash transactions on proper verification procedures. Employees should feel empowered to carefully examine suspicious bills without pressure from customers to rush the process.
Anyone who encounters a suspected counterfeit bill should contact the Greater Sudbury Police Service immediately rather than attempting to confront the individual presenting the fake currency. Police also advise businesses to keep security camera footage that might help identify those passing counterfeit money.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the source of the counterfeit operation and prevent further distribution of fake currency in the community.
