Police: Faux Benjamins pop up in Loudoun Co.

WASHINGTON – A rash of counterfeit cash is showing up at Loudoun County businesses.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office says several people have tried to make small purchases with fake $20, $50, and $100 bills in order to get back a lot of change in real currency.

The sheriff’s office says the fake bills will not look as crisp as real ones.

Authorities are asking business employees to take a close look at cash coming in and focus on the detail of the portrait, the seals, and whether the the serial numbers are evenly spaced.

Some tips to spot a fake bill:

  • Mark the bill with a counterfeit bill detector pen
  • Pay attention to the quality of the printing and characteristics of the paper (details on real bills are typically clear and sharp)
  • Review all parts of the bill to include the portrait, seals, border and serial numbers
  • Genuine currency paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded throughout
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