Police are warning local businesses to be wary of accepting $100 bills after three incidents of high-quality counterfeits were reported in the area.
Oceanside RCMP Sergeant Darrell Robertson said the first reported incident happened in May, when a man described as a six-foot-tall Caucasian was seen passing a fake bill.
A second incident, this one on July 19, involved a female suspect who was witnessed also passing a fake bill.
The woman is described as being in her early 30s, heavyset, five feet, four inches tall with light brown hair in a bun. She was seen carrying a large silver bag and a witness suggested she may go under the name Bailey.
A third incident on the same day was also reported, sparking this week’s warning.
He said RCMP are asking businesses to ensure their employees are aware of $100 bills with the serial number JMM1M01001, which has been linked to all three incidents.
He noted similar instances have occurred in cities across Vancouver Island including Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Saanich, Victoria, Campbell River, Duncan, and West Shore.
Anyone who spots a fake is asked to contact the RCMP detachment immediately at 250-248-6111 if they find someone attempting to pass one of the bills. — News staff