Look closely...

The Greenville Police Department is again warning retailers and citizens to please be on the lookout for counterfeit currency, especially during the holiday season.  Over the past few months, officers and detectives have responded to over a dozen cases of counterfeit bills passed at local stores.

Counterfeit money is easily detected when you take the time to check.  Look for the security thread running from top to bottom.   You can also look for color-shifting ink and the hologram when you hold money up in the light.   You should also see a watermark bearing the image of the person whose portrait in on the bill.

Commercial markers commonly used to detect counterfeit bills are not reliable indicators and should not be depended upon as the sole detector for counterfeit money.

Retailers and customers should examine their money closely during each transaction.  Counterfeiters are depending on you to hurry and complete a transaction.

If you detect or receive a counterfeit note, do not return it to the person who passed it to you.   Delay that person if possible.  Observe the suspect’s description, license plate, and vehicle description if possible.   Contact law enforcement immediately.  

We all have a role in guarding against crime.  You can help protect your community by becoming familiar with the characteristics of U.S. currency, and by alerting law enforcement when you suspect someone is passing counterfeit money.

You can learn more about counterfeit money by visiting the U.S. Secret Service website:  http://www.secretservice.gov/money_detect.shtml