Bank notes: Resources for retailers

This section features training materials to help retailers learn about Canadian bank notes and know how to deal with suspected counterfeit notes.

Train your staff

Most counterfeits enter circulation at a retail point of sale. Polymer notes have leading-edge security features that are easy to check and hard to counterfeit, but they are effective only if you use them. Our free training materials can help you start out on the right track.

Polymer notes now make up the majority of notes in circulation. If you come across paper notes, you can facilitate their removal by bundling polymer and paper notes separately in your bank deposit.

Polymer money: Handling tips for you

Training seminars

The Bank provides free training seminars through its offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax. These presentations can be customized to suit your organization's needs. Topics include bank note security features and what to do with a suspected counterfeit notes.

Duration: 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the content covered.

For more information, please call 1‑800‑303‑1282.

Dealing with suspicious money

What to do if you suspect that you have been offered a counterfeit note during a transaction:

  • Assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk. Then do the following:
    • Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect it may be counterfeit.
    • Ask for another note (and check it too).
    • Advise the person to check the note with the local police.
    • Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money.
    • Be courteous. Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious.

What to do if you suspect that a note is counterfeit after a transaction:

  • Give it to the local police. If it’s real, you’ll get it back.

It is a criminal offence to knowingly pass counterfeit money.

Forms

This RCMP form should be used by:

  • financial institutions and retailers to submit suspected counterfeit notes to their local police and
  • police agencies to submit suspected counterfeit notes to the RCMP’s National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau

Training materials to download or order

In efforts to be more environmentally friendly, there are now fewer printed materials available for order from the Bank’s website. Feel free to download our materials and review the content online.

    Security Features Leaflet – Vertical $10

    A summary of the security features on the vertical $10 bank note.

    Security Features Poster – Vertical $10

    A quick reference for staff, showing the security features of the vertical $10 bank note.

    Awareness Poster – Vertical $10

    A tool to help raise awareness about the vertical $10 note.

    Canada 150 Bank Note Security Features Fact Sheet

    A summary of the security features on the Canada 150 commemorative bank note.

    Commemorative $20 Note Fact Sheet

    A summary of the security features in the commemorative $20 note.

    Employee Handbook

    For people who handle cash on the job, the complete guide to verifying bank notes.

    Frontiers Series Leaflet

    Basic information on the security features of polymer bank notes.

    Canadian Journey Series Leaflet

    Basic information on the security features in the Canadian Journey series of bank notes.

    Frontiers Series Security Features Poster

    This is a quick reference for staff (size: 12 x 18) showing the security features in Canada’s Frontiers series bank notes.

    Frontiers Series Security Features Quick Reference Card

    Frontiers series security features at a glance.

    Know Your Money Leaflet (US Federal Reserve Notes)

    Comprehensive information on the security features of American bank notes.

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    Disclaimer

    The Bank of Canada offers free, postage-paid materials, but reserves the right to limit quantities.

    The Bank may contact the requestor prior to shipping to verify that certain audience-specific resources are destined for the right users.

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