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Bank of Canada

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Check to Protect. Fighting Fraud on the Front Lines
A tool for retailers to fight payment fraud

Quick Legal Facts

Reproducing bank notes: The law
If you do not have the Bank of Canada's formal permission, these activities may break civil and criminal laws. Our Bank Note Reproduction Policy has the details.
What is "legal tender"?

In Canada, it is coins issued by the Royal Canadian Mint and paper money issued by the Bank of Canada.

Payment methods must be mutually acceptable to both parties (e.g. credit or debit card, cheque). Therefore, retailers do not break the law if they refuse bills.

 

Bank Notes

Law enforcement

The Bank of Canada works closely with law enforcement in Canada. We ensure that you have the tools, training, and support to combat counterfeiting and prosecute offenders.

The Bank, in collaboration with the RCMP and other police agencies, Payment Card Partners (representing Visa, MasterCard, and Interac issuers and acquirers), Canada Post, and several industry associations, has developed an anti-fraud program for the marketplace.

Delivered by police working with retailers, Fighting Fraud demonstrates how to avoid bank note counterfeiting, payment card crime, cheque and money order fraud, and identity theft.

The associated DVD and fact sheets are included in our Check to Protect! kit. Created for managers and trainers, it includes our booklet, sticker, poster, and deterrence signage.

Counterfeiting statistics

The RCMP publishes annual statistics that track counterfeit notes passed and seized in Canada.

Counterfeiting subcommittee for prosecutors

In October 2003, the Bank joined forces with federal, provincial, and territorial heads of prosecution. This group discusses issues like sentencing precedents, training, resources, and networking.

Anti-Counterfeiting Connections
The Bank publishes a quarterly newsletter for law enforcement. It covers counterfeiting trends, legal proceedings, and networking opportunities.