Counterfeits and cash-handling: what you need to know | CFIB

If you’re a victim of counterfeiting, you might expect to be recoup the losses—but that’s not how it works. Victims aren’t compensated, so it pays to verify your bills.

With each new series of banknotes comes ever more sophisticated security features – but they’re only effective if you use them. Here are some of the security features of the latest series.

Canadian currency

The Canada 150 commemorative $10 bill has some additional security features:

The first vertical bill, featuring Viola Desmond, also has additional security features:

For a complete list of security features for polymer bills and other bank note series, visit the Bank of Canada website. The Bank of Canada also has educational tools available for download.

U.S. currency

For a complete list of security features on U.S. bank notes, please visit the U.S. Currency Education program.

Cash-handling Tips

On top of these security features to look for, you and your employees should practice good cash-handling habits:

Note: All suspected counterfeit bank notes (U.S. and Canadian) must be turned over to local police.