Counterfeit currency used to purchase items online

Police release an image of a fake $100 bill that has PROP MONEY printed on the transparent window. (YRP)

Police are issuing a warning about counterfeit currency being used to pay for items online.

York Regional Police say there have been 14 incidents of counterfeit currency used in exchange for high-value items from sellers on buy and sell sites since October.

“When the suspects met with the victims to provide payment in-person, $100 Canadian bills were used and later determined to be counterfeit,” police stated in a release.

Police say most of the incidents involved bills with serial numbers GJR6710018 and GJR710022. The bills also had the words PROP MONEY in the window portion.

To avoid accepting a fake bill, police say to inspect them, looking for the serial number, making sure the tiny numbers match the denomination, ensuring the portraits match, and the window colour changes as it should. Additionally, the maple leaf should house tiny numbers if looked at with a small light source and the portrait should feel raised when running a finger across it.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the authorities.