The RCMP charged an Ontario man recently after counterfeit toonies were discovered in Canada’s currency system. They seized about 10,000 coins that were discovered. According to police, there may be more of the counterfeit toonies currently in circulation. Do you have any of them? If you do, is there a way to tell them apart from the real thing? There is one distinguishing feature. It’s in the polar bear’s paw. The real toonie, in the top photo, has a fine detail on the bear’s right front paw.

 

Photo credit: RCMP

The fake toonie, in the bottom picture, shows the odd shape of the bear’s paw, like a split-toe.

There are a couple of things you can do if you receive any in payment, according to the Bank of Canada:

Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that 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.