The Ithaca Police Department is investigating multiple reports of counterfeit U.S. currency being passed at local retail businesses and is urging merchants to carefully inspect cash before accepting it.
Police say the counterfeit bills may successfully pass a standard counterfeit-detection pen test. However, investigators have found that many of the fake bills reported share the same serial number.
Businesses are encouraged to look beyond detection pen results and examine bills for duplicate serial numbers, security features, watermarks, security threads, printing quality and unusual paper texture.
Anyone who believes they have received counterfeit currency is advised not to return the bill to the person who presented it. Instead, police recommend documenting the individual’s description when it is safe to do so, preserving receipts and surveillance footage, and contacting the Ithaca Police Department.
Officials also stress that the public should not confront or attempt to detain anyone suspected of passing counterfeit money. If the individual remains at the scene and poses a safety concern or an emergency exists, call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information about counterfeit currency being passed in the Ithaca area is encouraged to contact the Ithaca Police Department through its dispatch, administration, or tip line. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the department’s online reporting system.
