If you sell items on platforms like Kijiji, watch your cash. The New Brunswick RCMP reports an increase in buyers using counterfeit money during face to face transactions arranged online.

Image source: New Brunswick RCMP

Police urge residents to stay alert when meeting up to exchange goods for cash. Scammers target these convenient online marketplaces to pass off fake bills to unsuspecting sellers.

“While online marketplaces are a convenient way to buy and sell items, they can also be targeted by individuals with criminal intent,” said Cpl. Hans Ouellette in a news release from the New Brunswick RCMP. “We encourage the public to remain vigilant and take precautions when meeting buyers or sellers.”

How to Protect Yourself

Take specific steps to ensure your transactions remain safe and legitimate.

Inspect the cash carefully. Look for standard security features on Canadian bills. Check for raised ink, holograms and transparent windows. Refuse the sale if the money lacks these features.

Use alternative payment methods. Digital payments eliminate the risk of counterfeit bills entirely. Accept electronic transfers instead of cash.

Trust your instincts. Cancel the transaction immediately when a buyer acts suspicious or the situation feels unsafe.

What to Do If You Spot Fake Money

Contact your local police detachment right away when you suspect someone gave you counterfeit money. Take note of any identifying details about the suspect and the circumstances of your meeting. This information helps investigators track down the individuals responsible and prevents others from falling victim to the same scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for to spot counterfeit money?

Check for raised ink, holograms and transparent windows on the bills. Genuine Canadian currency has distinct textures and visual features that scammers struggle to replicate.

Are digital payments safer than cash for online marketplace sales?

Yes. Digital payments remove the risk of receiving fake bills. They also provide a digital trail of the transaction.

What is the first step when I receive fake cash?

Contact your local police detachment immediately. Provide them with all the details you remember about the buyer and the transaction.