Counterfeit cash use rising in Hamilton — here's how to spot it

Hamilton police say they're seeing a surge in the number of counterfeit Canadian and U.S. bills circulating in the city.

In a news release, detectives say the fake bills are most often seen in $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

In recent weeks, police say, pizza delivery drivers, retailers and people selling online items have all been duped.

"As we move into the holiday season, we want to make sure people know how to tell a genuine from a counterfeit bill, so they can take steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim," Det. Dave Place said in a statement.

Here are some tips to spot counterfeit cash:

• Feel the bill. All Canadian and U.S. currency is produced with raised ink on the shoulders of the portrait and elsewhere on the bill.
• Look at the bill. The finish on a genuine bill does not scrape off and the colour does not run when it gets wet. The holographic strip is embedded in the bill, not added as a sticker, and does not peel off.
• Tilt the bill from side to side. On polymer bills, the transparent window contains a metallic portrait that matches the larger one on the face of the bill and changes colour when tilted. The transparent window also contains small numbers that match the value of the bill.
• On older bills, the holographic strip contains maple leaves that change colour when the bill is tilted. This strip also contains small numbers that match the value of the bill.
• The dollar value is hidden in the frosted maple leaf in the corner.

Police say if you suspect that a bill is counterfeit, "politely refuse to accept the note."

"Advise the person to check the note with their bank and inform police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money," police say. "Call 911 if the transaction is in progress or 905-546-4925 to report bills you believe are counterfeit."