$100 counterfeit bills are circulating in Ottawa

 https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/news/100-counterfeit-bills-are-circulating-in-ottawa.aspx

Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2025

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 27, 2025              10:00 a.m.

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is asking Ottawa residents to be on the lookout for counterfeit $100 bills after receiving reports of fake currency being used in several ongoing investigations.

Since December 2024, the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit has received multiple reports of counterfeit currency.  These bills are often used without retailers noticing, only to be identified as counterfeit later.

Here are some ways to tell if your currency is counterfeit:

• Check serial numbers when accepting cash. Each bill should have a unique serial number.
• Check the window on the bill for tiny numbers matching the denomination.
• Verify that the portrait in the window matches the main portrait.
• Use a small, bright light to see tiny numbers in the maple leaf window.
• Ensure the image in the window changes colour.
• Feel the raised ink on the main portrait by running your finger over it.
• Observe the bill to see if it is identified as “prop money” or “for film use only,”  often times, this can be seen in the fine print.

If you have been a victim of fraud, please report it online with the Ottawa Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Victims of Hutch Law asked to come forward

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Monday, January 27, 2025        10:05 am

 (Ottawa) – In the Fall of 2024, the Ottawa Police Service received several Fraud reports concerning HUTCH LAW, which at the time was located on Preston Street in Ottawa.  The Ottawa Police Fraud Unit launched an investigation and as a result, charges have been laid.

On January 23, 2025, Julian J. HUTCHINSON of Chelsea Qc, was charged with Fraud, Theft, False Pretense and Criminal Breach of Trust.  The charges stem from Real Estate transactions completed by HUTCHINSON of HUTCH LAW between 2022 and 2024.

Investigators believe there are other victims who have yet to come forward.  We ask those individuals to please come forward and file a report with the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.