OPP warn of counterfeit 'Z dollard' toonies surfacing in eastern Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police are warning businesses of some counterfeit toonies that were found at a store in Hawkesbury.
Officers were called to the store on Regent Street at around 11 a.m. Tuesday because someone had used counterfeit coins to buy things.
A photo shared by police shows the coins have the same coloration as real toonies, but a cursory glance reveals they're anything but. They have a walrus on one side instead of a polar bear, and are stamped as being worth "Z DOLLARD". The image purporting to be of Queen Elizabeth II is also incorrect. The coins are also dated 1990, when the first real toonies weren't in circulation until 1996.
The OPP would like everyone to be aware of this and to be vigilant in assuring they do not fall victim to this fraud.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE GIVEN COUNTERFEIT CASH
The Bank of Canada has tips on what to do if you suspect you've been given a counterfeit.
During a transaction
If you suspect that you’re being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk. Then, do the following:
- Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that it may be counterfeit.
- Ask for another note (and check it too).
- Advise the person to check the note with the local police.
- Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money.
- Be courteous. Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious.
After a transaction
If you suspect that you’ve received a counterfeit note, give it to the local police.
- If it’s real, you’ll get it back.
- Either way, the police should be informed of possible counterfeiting activity 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 the police.
"If you suspect you have a counterfeit coin in your possession, you should report it to your local police. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have Regional Counterfeit Coordinators stationed across the country to assist the investigating agency."
OPP say anyone with information can call 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 (TIPS).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Security Council plans to vote on UN membership for Palestine
The UN Security Council is set to vote Thursday on a resolution that would allow the state of Palestine to join the United Nations as a full member, a step the United States opposes and will veto if necessary.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms
Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.