Ontario residents and business owners are being urged to stay alert for counterfeit currency after police in Barrie discovered fake $50 and $100 bills being used at local establishments. Counterfeit money isn’t limited to paper bills—fake $2 coins (toonies) are also circulating, and experts warn that recognizing fraudulent money is crucial to preventing financial losses.
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How to Spot a Counterfeit $50 or $100 Bill
Canada’s polymer banknotes, introduced in 2011, were designed to be more durable and difficult to counterfeit. However, criminals are still finding ways to replicate them. The Bank of Canada Museum provides four key security features you should check before accepting a bill:
🔹 Inspect the Clear Window: The transparent polymer window on the right side of a $50 bill features an image of Sir Robert Borden, while the $100 bill showcases William Lyon Mackenzie King. Their portraits should appear both in the main design and inside the clear window.
🔹 Tilt the Note: The images in the window should shift in colour and appearance when you move the bill under light.
🔹 Feel for Raised Ink: Run your fingers over the main portrait—real polymer bills have a distinct raised ink texture.
🔹 Examine the Maple Leaf Window: Hold the maple leaf window up to your eye under a bright light—you should see tiny numbers embedded within it.
If a bill fails any of these tests, do not attempt to use it—instead, take it to your bank or report it to the police.
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Counterfeit Coins? Fake Toonies Are Flooding Ontario
Counterfeiters aren’t just targeting paper bills—Canada’s two-dollar coins are also being faked. For years, fake toonies have been discovered in various parts of Ontario, with many having obvious design flaws.
💰 How to Identify a Fake Toonie:
- Check the polar bear’s right paw—if it has a “cleft” or oversized toes (nicknamed the “camel toe” toonie), it’s likely counterfeit.
- Look for subtle inconsistencies in the Queen’s portrait, as many fakes have distorted facial features.
- Some counterfeit toonies have mismatched colours between the silver and gold sections.
Numismatist Brent W.J. Mackie, alongside counterfeit expert Mike Marshall, has been tracking fake toonies through his educational website, cameltoetoonies.ca. This resource documents various fraudulent $2 coin varieties, including the “Montreal Mint” toonie and the “Z Dollard” counterfeit, which first appeared in eastern Ontario in 2022.
Reports of fake toonies date back to 2020, with a surge in counterfeit circulation in the Greater Toronto Area.
⚠ Warning: Collecting counterfeit money—whether bills or coins—is illegal. The website cameltoetoonies.ca is for educational purposes only and does not promote the possession of fake currency.
Final Takeaway: Be Vigilant with Your Cash & Coins
With fake bills and toonies appearing across Ontario, it’s essential to be cautious when handling large cash transactions. Always inspect the security features of paper currency and check your toonies for obvious design errors. If you come across counterfeit money, report it immediately—protecting yourself and others from financial fraud.
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