Orillia Businesses on Alert: Police Hunt for Counterfeit Cash Suspect

There's a bit of a tricky situation unfolding in Orillia right now, and the Ontario Provincial Police are really hoping for the public's help to get to the bottom of it. Authorities are actively searching for an individual accused of circulating counterfeit Canadian money at several local establishments, which, as you can imagine, causes quite a headache for small businesses.

It seems a number of shops and service providers have been targeted over the past few weeks, specifically between May 3rd and May 17th. This isn't just a minor oversight; passing fake currency can really impact a business's bottom line, and it's a serious matter the OPP is taking very seriously.

The person police are looking for is described as a Caucasian male, estimated to be somewhere in his 30s or early 40s. He's said to have a medium build and dark hair. But beyond those general descriptors, officers have also provided details about what he was reportedly wearing: a dark baseball cap, often paired with sunglasses, a dark t-shirt that had a distinct white logo on it, grey pants, and dark shoes. So, quite a specific look to keep an eye out for.

For our local shops and service providers, this is a really important reminder to be extra careful when handling cash. It’s always a good idea to take a moment to double-check any bills you receive, especially larger denominations. After all, prevention is key to avoiding financial loss and inadvertently becoming part of a criminal activity.

And just so we're all clear, knowingly using or even possessing counterfeit money, even if you received it innocently, is a serious criminal offence. If you ever find yourself with a suspicious bill, the best thing to do is contact the police immediately and avoid trying to pass it on to someone else.

If you happen to have any information at all that could assist the investigation – perhaps you saw this individual, or your business was affected – please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact the Orillia OPP directly at 1-888-310-1122. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers is always an option at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or you can submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Every bit of information helps keep our community safe.