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Bank of Canada

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Counterfeiting FAQs
  1. How can I tell if a bank note is real?
  2. What should I do if I have a counterfeit note?
  3. How does the Bank of Canada handle counterfeiting?
  4. Which note is counterfeited most often?
  5. How serious a problem is counterfeiting?
  6. Why does the Bank of Canada not offer reimbursement for a counterfeit note?

Bank Notes

Counterfeiting Prevention

Counterfeit bank notes make up only a tiny percentage of the total number of notes in circulation. Nevertheless, the Bank makes every effort to combat counterfeiting so as to limit its impact on Canadian businesses and its potential to diminish public confidence in Canada's money.

Making notes more secure

Notes in the Canadian Journey series have a number of new security features that are easier to use but difficult to copy or counterfeit.

Collaborating with law enforcement

The Bank works closely with law-enforcement agencies throughout Canada to ensure that they have the tools, training, and support they need to effectively combat the counterfeiting of Canadian bank notes.

Improving education and training

The Bank offers a wide variety of printed, electronic and learning resources to the general public and its partners, with whom it works closely to fight counterfeiting:

General  |  Law enforcement  |  Financial institutions  | Retailers