MOUNT VERNON — Several reports of counterfeit money being passed have been received by local law enforcement.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office Capt. David Shaffer said several reports have been received from local businesses. He said the first reports were for $1 and $5 bills, but two reports of false $20 bills have been received, the most recent on Wednesday.
Fredericktown Police Chief Jerry Day said they have received three or four reports in the last two weeks, all of fake $5 bills.
Mount Vernon Police Capt. George Hartz said they have also received several reports in the last week, although he wasn’t sure how many.
As for the incidents of smaller bills being counterfeited, instead of the more usual $20 bill, Hartz commented, “Maybe they thought they had a better chance of getting away with it.”
Shafer said bars and gas stations seemed to be the most common targets and he urged businesses to use the security marking pen on any money they suspect may be counterfeit.
Utica Police said they had no reports of counterfeit bills showing up there.