Central Alberta is facing a growing counterfeit currency problem, with authorities warning residents and business owners to stay vigilant as fake bills continue to circulate across the region.
The Stettler Regional Board of Trade issued an alert this week after counterfeit $50 bills were detected in the area. The RCMP has since confirmed the issue extends well beyond Stettler, with recent reports of fake currency turning up in Airdrie, Rocky Mountain House, and Grande Prairie.
"Counterfeit currency directly impacts local businesses and our community's economy," said Sgt. Ian Patey of the Airdrie RCMP. "We are asking business owners and staff to stay alert and take a moment to verify bills during transactions. Your attentiveness helps us identify suspects and prevents further losses."
Major Arrests Yield Thousands in Fake Bills
The problem escalated recently when RCMP arrested suspects in both Rocky Mountain House and Grande Prairie. In Rocky Mountain House, an individual charged with trafficking was found carrying counterfeit $100, $50, and $20 bills. The Grande Prairie bust proved even more significant—police seized over $16,000 in fake $50 and $100 bills, along with holographic stickers used in the counterfeiting process.
How to Spot the Fakes
Canadian currency is manufactured from polymer with advanced security features designed to prevent counterfeiting. However, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their reproductions.
Here's what authorities say you should look for:
- Surface texture: Genuine bills are smooth with slightly raised ink on key features like the portrait and large denomination numbers
- Metallic images: Real bills display metallic images matching the main portrait visible in the transparent window
- Colour-shifting features: Authentic currency's design features shift in colour when tilted
- Serial numbers: Each bill has a unique serial number. Multiple bills with identical numbers are a major red flag
The Airdrie RCMP emphasizes paying special attention to higher-value bills, particularly $50 and $100 notes.
What to Do If You Receive a Counterfeit Bill
If you believe you've received a fake bill, authorities recommend these steps:
- Keep the bill but request another form of payment
- Stay calm—the person may not realize it's counterfeit
- Place the bill in an envelope to preserve evidence
- Contact the RCMP to file a report
- If safe to do so, retain surveillance footage and note descriptions of individuals involved
"Do not put yourself at risk," the Airdrie RCMP cautioned in their release.
Business owners across the region are encouraged to train staff on currency verification techniques and establish clear protocols for handling suspected counterfeit bills. The impact on local economies is real, making community vigilance essential in combating this growing criminal activity.
This article is based on reporting from the Red Deer Advocate.