Counterfeit cash: RCMP confiscates $ 1 million in “news” in Gatineau, Que.

Mounties has made one of the largest counterfeit seizures in more than 20 years.

In a press release, the RCMP said $ 1 million in “new” $ 100 bills had been confiscated after the Canadian Border Service intercepted a package.

This prompted police to search a home in Gatineau, Que. A man and a woman have been arrested and charges are pending. In addition to the piles of counterfeit money, police seized some electronic devices.

“The investigation revealed that the counterfeit banknotes were imported from abroad through a website,” the RCMP said. “According to the database of the National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau, this is the largest seizure of counterfeit ‘news’ banknotes with expected fees since 2001.”

The banknotes are similar to Canadian $ 100 banknotes, but have features that are not found on real banknotes. Mounties say it is illegal to have banknotes that look like real banknotes, even if they are of poor quality and even if they come from legitimate websites.

The charges against the couple have not yet been announced.

WHAT TO DO IF WE GIVE YOU counterfeit cash

The Bank of Canada has advice on what to do if you suspect you have received a counterfeit.

During the transaction

If you suspect that you are being offered a counterfeit note, evaluate the situation to make sure you are not at risk. Then do the following:

• Politely decline the note and explain that you suspect it may be fake.
• Ask for another note (and check it too).
• Advise the person to check the note with the local police.
• Inform the local police about possible attempts to hand over alleged counterfeit money.
• Be polite. Remember that the person holding the banknote may be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious.

After the transaction

If you suspect you have received a counterfeit note, hand it over to the local police.

• If it’s real, you’ll get it back.
• In any case, the police must be informed of possible counterfeiting activities in your community. Timely reporting helps police and prosecutors bring counterfeiters to justice.
• The Royal Canadian Mint says any investigation into counterfeit currency must be initiated by police.

You can see details on the security features of Canadian banknotes here.