OPS warns of increasing circulation of counterfeit money
Posted Dec 21, 2025 09:27:00 AM.
Last Updated Dec 20, 2025 03:41:20 PM.
If you’re selling stuff online around the holidays, OPS is warning the public of an increasing amount of counterfeit money circulating.
The force says it has seen a growing number of counterfeit bills used in Kijiji and Marketplace transactions.
“Scammers are purchasing high-value items like iPhones and computers using fake bills,” OPS said in an alert on X.
There are a couple of ways you can identify whether bills are counterfeit.
On the face side of the bill, look closely at the hologram-esque picture on the window column. If it says “PROP MONEY” here, the bill is counterfeit.
On the back of bills, there is a serial number listed. Oftentimes counterfeit bills will contain the same serial number.
“With the holiday season approaching, please stay alert when buying or selling items in person,” OPS said.
If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, you can report it with Ottawa Police online.
