Warsaw Police warn of counterfeit bills making the rounds

WARSAW — There is some funny money making its way around the area, but Warsaw authorities warn that you will not be laughing if you end up with some of it in your hands.

Warsaw Interim Police Chief Stephen Faircloth said this week that his department has had reports of an increase in counterfeit cash being received at area businesses. He’s warning everyone to be mindful when they are receiving payment, or even change, from anyone.

The fake stuff often looks much like the real thing. In fact, the film and television industry uses bills like these to portray cash transactions in movies and TV shows.

“It is very convincing if you just glance at it,” Faircloth said. “It is made to look real.”

Though no charges have been filed yet, Faircloth said they believe they know where it is coming from and that criminal charges could be coming. Passing off fake money as real is a felony, and a conviction could come with prison sentences of 4-47 months, depending on the severity of the crime.

“At the point someone possesses, transports, or passes it in an attempt to injure or defraud any person, financial institution, or governmental unit, it then becomes counterfeit,” he said.

The feel of the money is often a little different from the real thing, and he said that upon proper inspection, it’s easy to see that the money is not real. Some bills even have the words “Motion Picture Purposes” written across the top or bottom of the bill, but in the same colors, designs and fonts as real money.

“Pay extra attention if a customer seems to be rushing through the transaction and take the time to closely look at any money exchanged,” Faircloth advised.

He also suggested that all businesses use a counterfeit bill detector pen, which can be purchased for just a few dollars at any office supply store.

Even customers could unknowingly receive one of the bills as change in a transaction, so everyone, not just cashiers, needs to be on the lookout. Unfortunately, if someone accepts one of these bills as payment or change, there is no way to get the money back.