Police say the phony bills have been seen in denominations of $20 and $100. Area businesses are urged to closely examine each bill that comes into them that is being used for currency.
A phony $100 bill was recently taken in by a Jamestown business that had Chinese markings on its face and backside, while others received in the Jamestown area have the words “For Motion Picture Use Only.” This type is known as “prop” money that is used for movies and television productions and are not meant for use as legal tender.
Merchants are urged to always use a dri-mark counterfeit bill pen on all bills to ensure that they are legitimate bills. Use of these bills by a person who knowingly uses them to defraud another is guilty of a Class C Felony. Any person who may come into contact with one of these fake bills that is being used to defraud another is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.
For more information on how to detect counterfeit money, visit the US Secret Service Website at www.secretservice.gov. Anyone who may know who is possessing and or processing these bills can contact the JPD anonymously at 483-Tips (8477) or they can leave a tip at the Tips 411 App. All calls are kept confidential.