Winnipeg police are alerting residents and businesses to a sharp rise in counterfeit Canadian currency, with reports more than doubling in early 2025 compared to the same period last year. Officers seized over $12,000 in fraudulent $20, $50, and $100 bills, many marked with the phrase “prop money” and crafted to mimic legitimate polymer banknotes.
The fake bills—often indistinguishable at a glance—are showing up across the city in restaurants, retail stores, and casinos. Authorities believe much of the counterfeit currency is imported, possibly from overseas, with similar notes intercepted by Canadian border officials in bulk shipments.
Sgt. Trevor Thompson and Const. Keith Ladobruk of the financial crimes unit stressed that despite being sold online under the pretense of being for film use, the production and circulation of such notes remain illegal. Businesses are urged to train staff to detect subtle differences such as print quality, holographic strip irregularities, and unusual textures.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business echoed the concerns, encouraging businesses to limit large cash transactions and report all suspected counterfeit cases. With retail crime on the rise, experts warn this issue is unlikely to disappear soon.
Source: Swifteradio.com
