CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

$20, $50 and $100 bills

Police charge two with making funny money

Apr 20, 2022 | 3:13 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – An investigation into counterfeit currency being used at stores in Medicine Hat has resulted in charges for two people.

According to Medicine Hat police, a small number of retailers reported receiving counterfeit notes this month. On April 19, the ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit and city police executed a search warrant. Three adults were taken into custody, and police seized electronics used to produce the notes as well as a small amount of fake $20, $50 and $100 bills.

Two of the three adults arrested face charges of breach of a conditional sentence order, making counterfeit money, possession of counterfeit money and possession of stolen property.

Police say the names of the accused individuals will not be released at this time as the charges have not yet been sworn to in front of a justice of the peace.

Police advise the following if you suspect that you have been offered a counterfeit note during a transaction, after first assessing the situation to ensure you are not at risk.

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• 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.

If you suspect after the transaction that the money is counterfeit, give it to the 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.