Police arrested a Saanich woman Monday after attempting to pay for an item at a store in Tillicum Centre using a counterfeit $20 U.S. bill.

Saanich police investigators quickly learned the same woman is suspected of using another fake bill to make a purchase at the same store on Jan. 7. Officers found the 53-year-old woman nearby.

Sgt. Steve Eassie says police are still trying to determine whether other businesses in Greater Victoria have fallen victim to the counterfeit fraud. Police are investigating if she manufactured the bills herself or purchased them from another source.

"The best thing that business owners can do is to educate themselves relating to what would be ways to identify obvious counterfeits," Eassie said, suggesting they speak with their financial institutions.

Police are asking anyone with more information on this crime to call 250-475-4321.

kslavin@saanichnews.com