The North Vancouver Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are warning residents and bank employees after a “coin con man” attended a local bank to exchange numerous rolls of steel washers disguised to be more than $2,600 in $2 coins.
Earlier this month, the suspect entered a bank in North Vancouver and exchanged more than 45 rolls of steel washers disguised as $2 coins for $2,600 in banknotes. After the suspect left the premises, bank staff unrolled the coins and discovered the steel washers, which are about the same size and weight as a $2 coin. The only real coins were placed at the ends of the rolls.
According to police, the man, whose face was caught on surveillance cameras, was not a regular customer of the bank.
‘Coin Con Man’ attended a local bank to exchange numerous rolls of steel washers disguised to be over $2600 in toonies! Alleged suspect needs to be identified. Call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311. Reference police file 2018-5791. pic.twitter.com/LA4IXYQGbg
— North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp) April 11, 2018
Police added it’s not the first time a scam of this type has been attempted, although it’s typically not this successful.
If anyone has any information about the suspect’s identity, contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 1-604-985-1311 or email nvrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.