City Police Investigating Reports of Counterfeit Currency

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Published on October 12 2018 2:33 pm
Last Updated on October 12 2018 2:44 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Police are reporting an increase in counterfeit currency in and around the Effingham area.

Police say multiple businesses and even individuals in the Effingham area have been affected, with almost a dozen instances being reported in September alone.

A release from the police department indicates, "The bulk of the cases involve $100 bills, which have the appearance of real currency, but lack certain security features. However, there have been multiple reports of fraudulent lower denomination bills, as well. In addition, many of the bills are printed with letter lettering that resembles legitimate currency at first glance, but states: "For Motion Picture Purposes...It Is Not Legal Tender". Many of the bills currently being passed illegally also include foreign writing such as Chinese, which is stamped in pink or red ink. This type of fake currency can be purchased at online retailers, and is not intended as authentic currency."

The release states the US Department of the Treasury estimates over $70 million worth of fake bills are in current circulation, so small and large businesses should be on the lookout for imitations. All currency suspected to be counterfeit is seized by city police and sent to the US Secret Service for continued investigation.

City Police Chief Jeff Fuesting wants businesses and citizens to be aware that this currency is being used in and around Effingham. Fuesting warns business owners to train their employees to spot forgeries.

If you suspect a counterfeit note or have information about counterfeiting activity, you're asked to report it immediately to Effingham city police. For your personal safety, police ask you to follow these tips from the US Department of the Treasury:

1. Do not put yourself in danger

2. Do not return the bill to the passer

3. Delay the passer with some excuse, if possible

4. Observe the passer's description - and their companions' descriptions - and write down their vehicle license plate numbers if you can

5. Contact your local Law Enforcement Agency

6. Write your initials and date in the white border area of the suspected counterfeit note

7. DO NOT handle the counterfeit note. Place it inside a protective cover, a plastic bag, or envelope to protect it until it is given to a Police Officer

8. Surrender the note or coin ONLY to a properly identified Police Officer.

For more information on counterfeiting and how to prevent it, visit https://USCurrency.gov online or contact Effingham City Police Office of Community Policing at 217-347-5318.