Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department has received reports from local businesses of fraudulent transactions involving counterfeit $100 bills used as payment. Recently, detectives tracked down surveillance video of a female suspect who passed fake bills at Walgreens, Marco’s Pizza, and Walmart. She was spotted getting in a black 4-door Hyundai car with temporary tags.
Local retailers and citizens should be vigilant in detecting the fake cash that is circulating.The counterfeit bills are designed to look like legitimate currency, but an observant handler can notice many differences from true currency- especially noticing the lack of a watermark and embedded security thread when held up to light. Real U.S. bills have holographic ink that changes colors when tilted, and updated bills have an ultraviolet strip embedded in the note that can be seen. In addition, there should be blue and red fibers in the paper, which is rough in texture. Counterfeit detector pens are also a protective measure that retailers are encouraged to use.
The following, from the U.S Currency Education Program, is a great quick reference guide to help notice the difference between real and fake currency: Quick Reference Guide .
Other local businesses where counterfeit bills have been passed this year include Dollar General, Lizard Thicket, and Penn Station Subs.
If anyone has a feeling that they possibly know the suspects responsible for these crimes, they are encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/ .
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