The Big Story

The hunt for millions of counterfeit toonies

Nov 17, 2024

Brent Mackie, a numismatist and treasurer of the Waterloo Coin Society, dives deep into the world of counterfeit toonies, revealing their startling prevalence since 2020. He explains the phenomenon of the infamous 'camel toe toonie' and the individuals behind the counterfeiting operations. Brent shares insights from RCMP investigations, detailing how millions of fake coins infiltrated the banking system. He also discusses the implications for collectors and currency integrity in an increasingly cashless society.

23:08

Creator website

Episode guests

Brent Mackie

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The proliferation of counterfeit toonies has escalated to an alarming level, with estimates suggesting up to 10 million may be in circulation.

Identifying fake toonies requires careful examination of distinct flaws, emphasizing the need for vigilance among consumers and retailers alike.

Deep dives

The Importance of Business Insurance

Business insurance is crucial for every entrepreneur, providing essential protection against various risks such as theft, lawsuits, and property damage. Many small business owners mistakenly believe they are too small to require insurance, but this mindset can lead to significant financial strain if an unexpected event occurs. Zensurance offers customized insurance policies at an affordable rate, starting as low as $19 per month, making it accessible for all types of businesses. Obtaining insurance online is also quick and convenient, allowing business owners to secure peace of mind in just a few minutes.

Intro

2min

Counterfeit Toonies Uncovered

7min

The Rise of Counterfeit Toonies and Ongoing Investigations

3min

Counterfeit Toonies Exposed

10min

The Complexity of Coin Circulation and Collecting

5min

We've had an update to one of our most popular episodes -- the counterfeit toonie. Enjoy!

---------------------------------

They call it the "camel-toe toonie", and you will understand why as soon as you look at the front right paw of the polar bear on it. Since they were first discovered in circulation in 2020, estimates range from at least tens of thousands to likely millions of them reaching circulation.

But who is behind it? How do you counterfeit toonies at scale and get them into the banking system? And ... why toonies?

GUEST: Brent Mackie, creator of cameltoetoonies.ca, numismatist, treasurer of Waterloo Coin Society

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca

Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter