Suspected Counterfeit Banknote: Refuse It, Preserve It or Call Police

Respond without confrontation when a banknote seems counterfeit, before or after the transaction.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

Before accepting the note

Check several security features rather than relying on one sign. If doubt remains, politely refuse the note, request another payment and suggest that the person have it checked by police. They may also be an innocent victim.

After the transaction

Handle the note as little as possible, keep it separate and record the time, location, transaction and available witnesses or video. Contact local police to have it checked. An authentic note will be returned.

Do not recirculate it

Never try to recover a loss by spending a note you believe is counterfeit. Knowingly passing counterfeit currency is a crime. A financial institution does not automatically reimburse its face value.

For a business

Train staff on security features, create a discreet way to request help and preserve receipts and video under your privacy rules. Do not publish a customer’s image.

Suspected notes — Bank of Canada

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Sources and limits

Official sources are linked in the guide. Reviewed August 29, 2026; confirm current instructions and deadlines with the responsible authority.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-08-29.