Inuvik are advising that they have recently received several reports of counterfeit currency circulating in the community and residents are therefore being asked to pay close attention to bills used in transactions.

The counterfeit bills are "often easily identified," according to the Mounties. These are some of the tell-tale signs:

-Chinese symbols on the bill

-black bars printed on the bill

-different sizes or materials used when compared to normal Canadian currency

-overall poor quality

When individuals become aware of counterfeit currency, the police encourage them to "politely refuse the note, keeping in mind the person in possession may be a victim and unaware that their money is fake." Then advise the person passing the note to check it with police and inform your local police detachment of the interaction.

"Investigation into these reports is ongoing," the stated in an Aug. 21 news release, pointing out that similar counterfeit bills have been detected elsewhere in the NWT and Canada. 

Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Inuvik at 777-1111 or Crime Stoppers at .