London police are warning residents and local businesses about a recent increase in the number of counterfeit US$100 bills in the city.

The fake bills have been used at a number of area shops to buy gift cards and inexpensive items.

Anyone accepting a U.S. bill is reminded to check the security features. A list of those features is available on the U.S. Secret Service website.

Anyone with information on the counterfeit bills is asked to contact police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.