Suspected Counterfeit Banknote in Quebec: Refuse It, Preserve It or Call Police
Respond without confrontation when a banknote seems counterfeit, before or after the transaction.
Do not detain or confront anyone. Move away and call 911 if the situation becomes threatening.
Before accepting the note
Check several security features rather than relying on one sign. If doubt remains, politely refuse the note, request another payment and suggest that the person have it checked by police. They may also be an innocent victim.
After the transaction
Handle the note as little as possible, keep it separate and record the time, location, transaction and available witnesses or video. Contact local police to have it checked. An authentic note will be returned.
Do not recirculate it
Never try to recover a loss by spending a note you believe is counterfeit. Knowingly passing counterfeit currency is a crime. A financial institution does not automatically reimburse its face value.
For a business
Train staff on security features, create a discreet way to request help and preserve receipts and video under your privacy rules. Do not publish a customer’s image.
Suspected notes — Bank of Canada