Free money? Mysterious person leaving $50 bills around Metro Vancouver
Video shows an Instagram user hiding a $50 bill outside a Port Coquitlam, B.C., high school.
For several weeks, a mysterious social media user has apparently been leaving $50 bills hidden across Metro Vancouver.
The individual – so far identified only by the username "Mr. $50 World" – began stashing the cash in early May, each time posting videos on TikTok and Instagram hinting at the location.
"Where could this be?" reads an enticing caption on one post. "Find it and take it."
The $50 bills, which are hidden under distinctive red-and-white stickers, have been left everywhere from Granville Island in Vancouver to Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School in Port Coquitlam.
The enigmatic individual's reasons for doing so – beyond building an online following – are unclear. The only stated request of recipients of the cash is to "please verify" they have claimed it by taking a picture with the sticker.
A spokesperson for the B.C. RCMP told CTV News authorities do not have any specific concerns about the account, but suggested anyone chasing after the cash should exercise reasonable caution.
"We always encourage people to be mindful when engaging with unknown parties on social media," Sgt. Vanessa Munn said in an email.
Each of the social media posts includes the hashtag #cashcatch, which has been used more than 5,000 times on Instagram alone, including on videos of people similarly hiding free money in other parts of the world. One shows someone tucking a 100 euro note into a wooden bench in Paris.
"Mr. $50 World" continued the curious giveaway multiple times on a recent trip to Las Vegas, in some cases swapping the usual red Canadian $50s for green U.S. bills.
CTV News has reached out to the account for more information, but has not received a response.
Vancouver Top Stories
-
-
EXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVE Black Hawk helicopter owner seeks to join B.C. wildfire fight
-
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian acting legend Donald Sutherland dies at 88, son Kiefer says
Donald Sutherland, the New Brunswick-born acting legend with the distinct baritone voice and prolific stage and screen career that inspired sons Kiefer and Rossif to pursue the craft, has died.
Islamic holiday celebration in Montreal park draws ire from secularists
Images shared on social media of Muslims praying together in a Montreal park have sparked controversy in the province. Members of the city's Muslim community gathered earlier this week to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a holiday to mark the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Former Ont. fire captain pleads guilty in wife's murder case
A former fire captain and father of two accused of killing his wife pleaded guilty on Thursday to second-degree murder.
Northern Ont. neighbourhood evacuated after live explosive devices from the Second World War found
There were some tense moments in northern Ontario on Wednesday after several Second World War-era explosive devices were found earlier this week.
Vitamix recalls almost 570,000 blender parts
Parts of a pricey blender that can cost up to US$990 can cause deep cuts, Vitamix announced in an expanded recall Thursday — but don’t expect a refund.
Skyrocketing rent: Some Canadians saying goodbye to half their paycheque
A significant number of Canadian renters are spending more than half their paycheque putting a roof over their head, according to a new Royal LePage report.
'Supreme excellence': Trudeau, Hollywood stars honour famed Canadian actor Donald Sutherland
Family, Hollywood peers and other famous fans paid tribute to Donald Sutherland Thursday afternoon following news of his death, lauding the Canadian actor as a screen legend and a brilliant artist.
OPINION
OPINION Before he made it on stage or in film, Donald Sutherland got his start in local radio
Donald Sutherland, who died at the age of 88, will be remembered for his prodigious acting talent. But as film critic Richard Crouse notes, a lesser known yet inspiring part of Sutherland's career is the time he spent at a local radio station in Nova Scotia.
New Canadian citizenship rules for those born abroad could be delayed until December
An unknown number of young people born abroad to Canadian parents could wait until at least December to be eligible for citizenship.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Vancouver Island
-
Teen dies from injuries after lake rescue in Langford, B.C.
A 17-year-old boy, who was in critical condition in a Vancouver Island hospital after he was rescued from drowning in a Langford, B.C., lake over the weekend, has died.
-
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE Black Hawk helicopter owner seeks to join B.C. wildfire fight
A Metro Vancouver helicopter company is in the process of obtaining final approvals for commercial flights of its newly acquired Black Hawk helicopter with the hopes the powerful aircraft can help in B.C.'s wildfire fight.
-
William Shatner slams open-net salmon farming in video from Ryan Reynolds' company
Canadian actor William Shatner has waded into the debate over open-net salmon farming with a profanity-laced video for Pacific Wild.
Kelowna
-
Recognize this man? Kamloops RCMP seek arson suspect
Mounties in Kamloops are asking for help identifying a man they say is suspected of setting a trailer on fire earlier this month.
-
Kelowna RCMP release sketch of suspect who attempted to sexually assault stranger
Police in Kelowna have released a suspect sketch in hopes of locating the man who attempted to sexually assault a stranger on a walking trail earlier this month.
-
Worker killed in accident at Kelowna construction site
A construction worker died in a workplace incident in Kelowna on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Edmonton
-
'Suicidal' man shot, killed by police officer south of Edmonton
A reportedly suicidal man was shot and killed by police in Leduc overnight.
-
Pollen levels in Edmonton on the rise with warmer weather in forecast
It's been a wetter spring in the Edmonton area than last year, with the city in bloom because of it. All that growing is leading to itchy eyes and runny noses for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. But while this year may be a bad one for pollen levels, there are several options to keep sneezing at bay.
-
By the numbers: Historical significance of Connor McDavid's run through 2024 playoffs
Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid is having one of the most productive post-seasons in NHL history. A look at his numbers and their historical significance:
Calgary
-
Calgary mayor says Stampede opening day best-case scenario to fully restore water
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the city is committed to a plan to restore water services in early July but cautions it is possible there could be further delays.
-
Charges laid in Calgary meat theft that saw $5K of product stolen
Calgary police have laid charges in a brazen case of theft that saw an estimated $5,000 of meat taken from a local business.
-
Punk is dad: Positive parenting from Edmonton fathers who love punk music
A group of Edmonton dads have come together to form the Rad Dads Edmonton, a group of like-minded fathers who love two things: being a dad and punk music.
Lethbridge
-
Fort Macleod emergency room closed due to physician shortage
Fort Macleod’s emergency department is closed for 48 hours due to a lack of doctor coverage.
-
First day of summer marks change in weather for Lethbridge
Lethbridge was no stranger to rain this spring. After an extremely dry winter, Lethbridge saw one of its wettest springs on record.
-
Milk River at risk of running dry as Montana crews continue work on burst water pipeline
Officials in Montana are warning that the Milk River is at risk of running dry this summer following a catastrophic failure on a pipeline near the Carway, Alta. border crossing on Monday morning.
Winnipeg
-
Lemay Forest saga heading to city hall
As residents in St. Norbert fight to keep the Lemay Forest in tact, development plans for the land are going before a hearing at Winnipeg City Hall Monday, but city planners want the project significantly scaled back.
-
Special delivery: Postman delivers letter to Winnipeg home from the Galapagos Islands
People around the world are getting surprise visits from a postman delivering messages all the way from the Galapagos Islands.
-
Severe thunderstorms in Manitoba bringing strong winds, nickel-sized hail: ECCC
Severe thunderstorms are tracking across Manitoba Thursday afternoon, with officials warning of strong winds and hail.
Regina
-
Regina police search for suspect after 2 people assaulted at yard sale
Regina police are searching for a suspect after two people were assaulted with a knife at a yard sale Thursday morning.
-
Punnichy elects Indigenous woman in by-election for mayor
Residents of the Village of Punnichy celebrated as a First Nations woman was sworn in as mayor.
-
'Happy to get the opportunity': Riders' Ajou Ajou reflects on first CFL game
In just the second game of the season, rookie receiver Ajou Ajou took to the field for his first game reps as a Saskatchewan Roughrider.
Saskatoon
-
Man dead after armed confrontation with Saskatoon police
Saskatoon police are currently at the scene of an incident on Avenue S South, between 20th Street West and 21st Street West.
-
'It's not safe': Residents of Saskatoon seniors complex feeling like prisoners in their own home
Residents of a Saskatoon seniors complex say they feel unsafe and ignored by the province after the facility they live in was opened up to people with complex health and addictions needs.
-
Human remains found in North Battleford house fire identified: RCMP
The Saskatchewan RCMP revealed that human remains discovered following a house fire in North Battleford have been identified.
Toronto
-
Almost 5 months after major cyberattack, Hamilton’s mayor says work is 'far from over'
The City of Hamilton has been working for almost five months to restore and improve its online systems following a significant ransomware attack, but the work is “far from over,” says the city’s mayor.
-
2 Toronto men charged after woman allegedly sexually exploited in Peel
Two men from Toronto are each facing several charges after a woman was allegedly sexually exploited in Peel Region.
-
Man facing 1st-degree murder charge in Scarborough plaza shooting, 2nd suspect outstanding
Toronto police have arrested and charged one suspect and are searching for another in connection with the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy in Scarborough over the weekend.
Montreal
-
Donald Sutherland's Quebec connections: A home in the Eastern Townships and a love for the Expos
Although born in New Brunswick, the late Canadian actor Donald Sutherland fostered a deep affection for Quebec and Montreal, a love reflected in his unwavering support for the Expos.
-
Passengers asked to plan ahead as Montreal-Trudeau airport expecting summer travel surge
Almost seven million people are expected to fly in and out of the Montreal-Trudeau airport over the next three months — a record amount. With some tricks to avoid more hold-ups, passengers are being asked to plan ahead.
-
St-Lazare man wants permission to keep 2 donkeys, llama on his property
A man living in St-Lazare has been told he can keep his horses, but his donkeys and llama must leave. Richard Lacroix lives in an equestrian zone, yet wants the municipality to make an exception for him. He has kept horses for three decades.
Ottawa
-
Family of woman injured in Embrun, Ont. fatal crash discusses death of her fiancée and unborn baby
Bailey Chagnon's family has been by her bedside in hospital ever since a crash last Friday southeast of Ottawa left her severely injured and claimed the life of her fiancée and unborn child.
-
Residents of Ottawa's prestigious Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood raise concerns over neglected and abandoned properties
It's one of Ottawa's most prestigious and historic neighbourhoods, but there is another side to Rockcliffe Park, with a growing number of empty and neglected properties.
-
Robot roaming some federal office buildings raises privacy concerns
As the use of artificial intelligence is on the rise, many employers are looking at how to use the technology and the federal government is no exception. A small robot has been roaming through the hallways of some federal office buildings, but some public servants don't like this idea.
Atlantic
-
Nova Scotia’s Jacob Shaffelburg earns nickname ‘Maritime Messi’
At just 24, Port Williams, N.S., native Jacob Shaffelburg continues to take his soccer career to new heights.
-
Canadian acting legend Donald Sutherland dies at 88, son Kiefer says
Donald Sutherland, the New Brunswick-born acting legend with the distinct baritone voice and prolific stage and screen career that inspired sons Kiefer and Rossif to pursue the craft, has died.
-
CTV Atlantic’s Jayson Baxter signs off after 25 years
After 25 years with CTV Atlantic, Jayson Baxter is signing off.
London
-
Tears flow for victims’ families at sentencing hearing of Petronella McNorgan
Tearful victim impact statements were heard at the sentencing hearing for Petronella McNorgan, the elderly woman found guilty in the horrific crash that killed a young girl and injured several others.
-
Calls ramp up for Hamilton Road improvements in wake of latest cycling death
Traffic on Hamilton Road is heavy during the day, and it is fast moving. On a bicycle, it can be treacherous, according to London, Ont. cycling advocate Ben Durham.
-
London friends share $151,000 Lotto Max prize
Two London men are splitting a Lotto Max prize of just over $151,000.
Kitchener
-
Flames tear through greenhouse nursery in Simcoe
A greenhouse nursery in Simcoe, Ont. was almost completely destroyed in a fire early Thursday morning.
-
Who would steal a memorial plaque in Cambridge?
Multiple plaques – one honouring a Waterloo Regional Police officer and a young boy who both drowned in 1998 – have gone missing in Cambridge.
-
Happy ending for dog found in outhouse holding tank in Guelph, Ont.
Cleo the dog has a new home after she was found starving and covered in human waste at a Guelph conservation area.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. neighbourhood evacuated after live explosive devices from the Second World War found
There were some tense moments in northern Ontario on Wednesday after several Second World War-era explosive devices were found earlier this week.
-
Sudbury seniors feeling unsafe due to nearby homeless encampment
A beautiful garden in downtown Sudbury used to be a safe haven for residents living in the Ukrainian Seniors Centre.
-
Timmins offers details about new loitering bylaw aimed at vagrancy
The City of Timmins has provided more details about a new bylaw that regulates the use of local parklands.
N.L.
-
'You can literally see the sculptor's handwork': Memorial restored as Newfoundlanders reflect on First World War's toll
Historic monuments adorning the National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s, N.L. are being restored to their full glory this week ahead of Memorial Day ceremonies.
-
Labrador wildfire 'got worse really fast,' residents given minutes to flee: evacuee
A wildfire threatening a town in central Labrador grew suddenly to a raging blaze that advanced two kilometres in about 45 minutes before officials ordered everyone to evacuate Wednesday night, authorities have revealed.
-
Residents ordered to flee central Labrador town as wildfire rages nearby
An out-of-control wildfire forced officials to order residents to flee their homes in the central Labrador community of Churchill Falls on Wednesday evening.
