Prince George RCMP seeing 'dramatic rise' in counterfeit currency use

Police provided photos of the front and back of some of the bills they've received to accompany their release. (Prince George RCMP)

Mounties in Prince George are issuing a warning after what they call "a dramatic rise" in reports of counterfeit bills being used in the city in the last month or so.

Typically, the Prince George RCMP detachment receives "one to two" reports of counterfeit bills each month, it said in a news release Wednesday.

Since Dec. 1, however, there have been 17 such reports.

"That’s quite a spike in counterfeit bills going around the city," said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, in the release.

"It is predominantly $20 and $50 bills we are seeing used."

Police provided photos of the front and back of some of the bills they've received to accompany their release.

Some of the bills appear to be "fake cash that could be used in a classroom setting," police said, adding that others were "photocopied bills printed out on paper."

Police offered advice for retailers or anyone who suspects they're being offered a counterfeit banknote.

First, assess the situation to ensure your safety is not at risk, Mounties said. Then, take the following steps, as described in the release:

Timely reporting of counterfeit bills helps police detect and prevent criminal activity, Prince George RCMP said, adding that recirculating a counterfeit bill is illegal.