Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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Counterfeit Money, it's Criminal!
The program Counterfeit Money, it’s Criminal! was developed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in partnership with the Bank of Canada, Info-Crime Quebec and the Quebec Association of Chiefs of Police. This program was designed to raise public awareness about Canadian bank notes counterfeit prevention. it encourages the public to report information relating to criminal counterfeit money activities to the appropriate authorities.
The program Counterfeit Money, it’s Criminal! also offers advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of counterfeiting. As part of this program, the RCMP and the Bank of Canada work closely together to inform the public on bank note security features, encourage bank note verification at points of sale and convince retailers and consumers that this is a new and sound practice.
The public is invited to report information relating to counterfeit money to info-Crime Quebec at 1 800 711-1800. This nonprofit program, dedicated to developing social conscience, will forward all the information to the police agencies of jurisdiction.
Did you know that
... Counterfeit Money, it’s Criminal?
It is a criminal offence to make, use or possess a counterfeit bank note. You are not permitted to keep a counterfeit note even for the purposes of training or instruction. Any suspect note must be given to the police.
Under the Copyright Act, the Bank of Canada owns the copyright on all design elements used in Canadian bank notes. In order to avoid any civil proceedings, it is necessary to obtain a written authorisation from the Bank of Canada before reproducing any Canadian bank note images.
... counterfeit money is a serious concern in Canada?
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, close to 10 million dollars in counterfeit money is seized each year in this country. This type of crime is increasingly becoming a crime of choice among criminal organizations to finance their illegal activities.
... you can easily avoid becoming a victim of counterfeiting?
It only takes a few seconds to verify if a Canadian bank note is genuine. Most counterfeit notes are of poor quality and can be easily detected.The majority of victims are not familiar with bank note security features and rarely take the time to verify if a note is genuine.
... you can make a difference in the fight and prevention of bank note counterfeiting?
YOU can contribute to reduce counterfeiting through prevention and by reporting any relevant information that could lead to investigation or the arrest of counterfeiters.
What to do if
... you are in possession of a counterfeit note or a suspected counterfeit note?
If you think that you have detected a counterfeit note, you should, if possible:
- Keep the note and record all relevant information (denomination, serial number, etc.).
- Record the details on how you received the note: time, context, description of the person who gave you the note, description of any accomplices, vehicle license plate number, etc.
- Contact your local police.
- Give the note to the police. Ask for a receipt. The note will be returned to you if it is determined to be genuine by the Bureau for Counterfeit and Document Examinations.
... you have information to report or you have witnessed criminal activities relating to counterfeiting?
- Contact Info-Crime Quebec at 1 800 711-1800.
- Dial 911 for emergency assistance if you think your immediate safety is at risk.
- Contact your local police.
What can you do to prevent this crime?
- Familiarize yourself with the Canadian bank note security features
- Verify systematically all the bank notes you receive.
- Contact your local police.
- Report any relevant information to Info-Crime Quebec at 1 800 711-1800.
How to make sure a note is genuine?
Checking security features on bank notes is quick and easy. All you have to do is touch the note, tilt it, look at it and look through it.
Verify at least two or three security features before accepting a note. Check for the behaviour of the security features, not just their presence. If you still have doubts, check more security features.Compare a suspect note with one you know to be genuine.
Remember that applying water on a note, or rubbing or folding a note are not reliable tests.
Following are the main security features on the new Canadian Journey series:
Holographic Stripe
Tilt the note, the colours on the maple leaves will change through the various shades of the rainbow. You will also notice a colour-split within each maple leaf. And if you look carefully, smaller numerals appear in the background of the threedimensional stripe.
Watermark Portrait
Hold the note to the light, and a small, ghost-like image of the portrait will appear.
Windowed Security thread
Tilt the note, and the thread will shift from gold to green. This thread resembles a series of dashes. However, when you hold the note to the light, the thread appears as a continuous solid vertical line.
See through number
Half of the numeral 20 appears on the front of the note, and the other half appears on the back. When you hold the note to the light, the two halves align perfectly to form the numeral 20.
Following are the main security features on the Birds of Canada series:
Optical Security Device
Tilt the note, and the metallic patch changes colour from gold to green. This colourshifting patch cannot be peeled off, and there are no detectable raised edges.
Planchettes
Look at the note under ultraviolet light, the green dots that are randomly scattered across both sides of the note will glow blue. These dots are uniformly round in shape and can sometimes be peeled off.
Other security features found on these two series of notes:
- Raised Print
- Fine-Line Printing
- Fluorescence
- Unique Colours and Serial Numbers
You have questions or want more information on Canadian bank notes or counterfeit money?
Email the RCMP at: fausse.monnaie@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Also visit the Bank of Canada’s web site
