Producing, possessing, or circulating counterfeit bank notes are infractions punishable by law.

The Bank of Canada is the only legitimate issuing institution of bank notes in the country.

The print clarity and security features of authentic Bank of Canada notes make them difficult to counterfeit or reproduce. Nevertheless, counterfeit notes may be circulating in the country.

Authentic bank note

• Touch raised ink.
• Look through the bill and check ghost image and puzzle number.
• Tilt. Colour shifts in metallic stripe and dashes.
• To find out more : Bank of Canada 

If you think you have a counterfeit note:

• Compare it with an authentic note.
• Go to your neighbourhood police station to verify the authenticity of your bank note. If it is counterfeit, a report will be filed, the note will be confiscated and there should be no charges against you.
• Go to your financial institution to verify the authenticity of your bank note. If it is counterfeit, it will be confiscated.

Retailers 

• Be especially careful during busy periods, because this is when fraudsters are more likely to strike.
• Pay attention to customers who want to pay for something with a higher bill than needed.
• If the customer gives you several bills, check the serial numbers: if they all have the same number, it is a reproduction.
• Always compare a suspicious note with an authentic note.
• Get a counterfeit detector.
• Don't forget that a person who pays you with a fake bill may be the innocent victim of counterfeiters.
• If you think you have been given counterfeit notes, contact the police.

Alternate information

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