Ithaca police are investigating several complaints involving counterfeit U.S. currency passed at local retail businesses and are warning that the bills may pass standard counterfeit-detection pen tests.
Police said bills reported to investigators often display the same serial number, giving businesses another way to identify possible counterfeits.
Businesses are advised to examine currency before accepting it and look for duplicate serial numbers, security features, watermarks, security threads, poor printing quality and unusual paper texture.
Anyone who believes they received a counterfeit bill should not return it to the person who presented it, police said. When it can be done safely, recipients should document the person's description and preserve receipts and surveillance footage.
Police said people should not confront or try to detain anyone suspected of passing counterfeit currency. Call 911 if the person is still present and creating a safety concern.
Information may be reported to Ithaca police dispatch at 607-272-3245, police administration at 607-272-9973 or the department's tip line at 607-330-0000.
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