A flurry of counterfeit bills have been detected throughout Essex County, prompting the Ontario Provincial Police to issue a warning to both business and individuals.

“We have had reported incidents of counterfeit money in Essex and Leamington and Lakeshore over the last couple of weeks,” said OPP Const. Steven Duguay. “We have seen $20 and $100 bills circulated in that time.”

Duguay said the fake bills have been found in retail stores as well as one instance of currency used during a private person-to-person sale. The counterfeit cash was detected when the person attempted to deposit money at a financial institution.

On Monday, two separate businesses reported suspects attempting to pay for items with counterfeit bills.

“We can’t say exactly how much has been circulated at this time,”

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