WEST Vancouver police are looking for a woman they say handed over phony U.S. bills in exchange for the genuine article in Canadian funds at a West Vancouver currency exchange.

The woman made the underhanded deal on Nov. 24, last year, police allege, She also provided the business with fake identification.

This is part of a growing trend in the Lower Mainland, leading police agencies to put out a warning for local businesses about counterfeit cash. Spotting the funny money isn't always as easy as spotting a $3 bill, but counterfeiters tend to lack sophisticated printing equipment used by government presses so there can be some telltale signs:

Serial numbers are different on every bill so matching numbers indicate fakes. The U.S. Treasury seal and border lines should appear clear and sharp on genuine bills, while they tend to be uneven or blurry on counterfeit ones. And authentic notes have slightly raised ink, giving them a noticeable texture.

Anyone who recognizes the woman is asked to contact the West Vancouver Police Department at 604-925-7300.