The West District RCMP is advising business owners to be vigilant after several incidents of counterfeit $100 US bills being circulated in the province. Police are also looking to identify a person of interest involved in one of these incidents.
On August 19, 2020, shortly after 4:15 a.m., a man entered the Gateway Esso on Gateway Drive in Oromocto, N.B. and used a counterfeit $100 US bill to make a small purchase. The RCMP is releasing a surveillance video photo of the individual and hoping the public can help identify the man.
The RCMP has received several similar reports during the last month. In many instances, the counterfeit bills being circulated are believed to have the serial number LB45440078L.
The RCMP is reminding local merchants and their employees to examine and verify any currency that is given to them, and to report any suspicious bills to their local RCMP detachment. For more information on detecting counterfeit bills and what to do if you receive one, visit the Bank of Canada's webpage about counterfeit prevention.
Anyone with information, or who recognizes the individual in the photo is asked to contact the Oromocto RCMP detachment at 506-357-4000. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.