Yellowknife (Feb 14/03) - The RCMP warn that counterfeit money is circulating around Yellowknife -- something one city business learned the hard way.

A counterfeit $20 bill was passed to a Range Lake area business last week.

Sgt. Al McCambridge said any time someone uses counterfeit money, it's a concern to police.

"It is still on the low end (in Yellowknife) and not that prevalent at this point," he said. "Even one is a concern."

In addition to the $20 bill, McCambridge said police have received reports of fake $5 bills being passed.

Chamber of commerce president David McPherson said there's typically one incident per year involving counterfeit cash in Yellowknife.

"Word gets around pretty quick," he said. "If the RCMP are taking it seriously, we usually hear right away. Usually it has just involved a simple photocopy of money which is pretty easy to spot."

The Bank of Canada recommends people compare the suspect bill to one that is known to be real and look for differences rather than similarities. The phrase "Bank of Canada" should be raised on large denomination bills and the Canadian coat of arms should feel thicker. The fine wavy lines should be readable microprint when viewed up close and may be blurred or illegible on a counterfeit bill.

The fake $20 bill was smooth to the touch and lacked the holographic image found on real bills.

As well, the colours weren't as bright and the bill was noticeably smaller than the real thing.

McCambridge said police plan a business crime prevention effort this spring.

The program will include information about how to spot counterfeit cash as well as how to deal with unruly customers and robbery prevention.

In an unrelated case, an 18-year-old city man was in court this week to face charges of carrying counterfeit cash.

He was in court Tuesday for his first appearance, but failed to come to court with a lawyer.

Judge Michel Bourassa, obviously frustrated by the number of people who come to their first appearance without seeking legal help, gave him a stern warning.

"You've got trouble. These are serious charges. You could do some jail time," said Bourassa.

"A lawyer is not going to fall from the sky and hit you on the head, you have to go out and talk to one.

This isn't going to go away."

The man is to return to court Tuesday.