Bloomfield Township Police Investigating Another Counterfeit Caper

Bloomfield Township police believe the same person or group of people is responsible for defrauding local businesses with counterfeit money.

Two men tried to pass bogus $50 bills at Soccer Plus, 2191 Telegraph Rd. about 3 p.m. July 21, police said, but were refused by store employees, reports said. They left and were able to make purchases at Cary Ann’s Hallmark at 2197 Telegraph not long after. They were described as in their 20s and were seen driving in a red Chevy Blazer, reports said.

Police said they suspect it is the individual or individuals that passed a counterfeit $50 at Piepers Pies, 43119 Woodward Ave., on July 15.  

Anyone with information on any of the incidents described above can contact the department’s investigations division at 248-433-7752.

The U.S. Secret Service, which investigates large-scale counterfeit fraud, has these suggestions to spot "funny money" so you can avoid being duped or unwittingly duping someone else:

• Scan the portraits. The picture on the face of a bill will stand out distinctly from the background, while counterfeit bills have dull facial features that tend to merge into the darker background.
• Look for official seals. The Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury seals will have clear, distinct and sharp points. Fake seals appear uneven broken points.
• Consistency counts. Legitimate bills have clear and unbroken borders that are centered perfectly on the paper.
• Feel the paper. Genuine currency has tiny blue and red fibers embedded throughout the bills. Counterfeiters often try to simulate them but a close inspection should reveal whether the fibers are embedded.
• Take note of serial numbers. The combinations of numbers and letters on every bill are distinctively styled and evenly spaced.

Source: U.S. Secret Service.