Counterfeit Currency: Can You Tell the Difference? Be Vigilant this Holiday Season!

The Bank of Canada has sent a reminder for businesses to be vigilant in checking bank notes this holiday season. Counterfeiters see frantic shoppers and busy retail line-ups as a prime opportunity to pass fake notes. The Bank's advice: don't let them.

Remember: Routinely checking all bank notes allows you to intercept counterfeits, keeping them out of the till and out of Canadians' change.

Always look at two or more security features when checking bank notes.

• Feel the raised ink. Feel the smooth, unique texture of the note. It's made from a single piece of polymer with some transparent areas.
• Look for transparency through the large window and the outline of the frosted maple leaf window.
• Look at the details in the metallic portrait and building. Flip to see the metallic images repeated in the same colour and detail on the other side.
• Look at the small numbers in the large window that match the note's value. Look at the word "Canada," which is transparent and feels slightly raised.

Remember: All five denominations in the Frontiers series have the same security features.

If you have doubts when verifying a note, refuse it, ask for another note and check it too. Find more information on the Bank of Canada website. If you have more questions by sending them an email.