Thousands of fake toonies have been seized in Canada. This is how to tell if you have one
An Ontario man has been charged after approximately 10,000 counterfeit toonies were discovered circulating in Canada.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), an investigation was launched in the summer of 2021 after the Royal Canadian Mint discovered an "ongoing counterfeit currency issue through their random sampling process."
Police said through the investigation, the RCMP seized approximately 10,000 counterfeit toonies, which had been placed into the Canadian banking system.
According to police, there may be additional counterfeit coins still in the currency system.
Police said the seized counterfeit two-dollar coins can be distinguished by their primary characteristic flaw of having a "split-toe" on the right front paw of the Polar Bear, which resembles a "claw."
"The unique features on Canada's circulation coins make them among the most secure in the world and allowed these counterfeit pieces to be identified and removed from circulation quickly," James Malizia, Vice-President of Corporate Security at the Royal Canadian Mint, said in a statement Monday. "The Royal Canadian Mint will continue to work closely with financial institutions and the RCMP to ensure the integrity of Canada's coin supply."
The RCMP said they arrested 68-year-old Richmond Hill man Daixiong He, who has been charged with uttering counterfeit money and possession of counterfeit money.
According to police, he was arrested and released on an undertaking. He will appear in a Newmarket court on June 2.
The charges have not been proven in court.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU GET FAKE MONEY?
The Bank of Canada has tips on what to do if you suspect you've been given a counterfeit.
During a transaction
If you suspect that you're being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk. Then, do the following:
- Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect it may be counterfeit
- Ask for another note (and check it too)
- Advise the person to check the note with the local police
- Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money
- Be courteous. Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious
After a transaction
- If you suspect that you’ve received a counterfeit note, give it to the local police
- If it's real, you'll get it back
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Ted Raymond
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.