Police in Barrie say they’re convinced that the discovery of counterfeit U.S. $50 bills in the city recently is connected to a traveling group of fraudsters.
More than ten counterfeit U.S. $50 bills have been used at big box stores in Barrie’s south end over the last two weeks.
Police say a man used a counterfeit American $50 at an ice cream shop on Bayfield street in Barrie on December 9th.
They think this is an organized ring with multiple people involved in printing, distributing, and using the fake money.
“What we've seen in the last two months is that same serial number on the U.S. $50 bill in Barrie specifically,” said Barrie Police Detective Constable Stephanie McKibbon.
“The suspects have been known to be travelling outside of the Barrie area as well. They’re going as far as Cornwall with the same kind of currency. We’re seeing that pattern develop because all currency does have a serial number.”
The bills have also been reported in Bracebridge and near southern Georgian Bay.
Police say the suspects are often using the bills to purchase very inexpensive items, in order to receive a large quantity of change.
Police don’t know how many of the bills are in circulation, and are asking business owners to pay special attention to any American currency that is used.
Investigators say there may be as many as 12 suspects.
