Counterfeit $100s Floating Around Putnam: Sheriff

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Counterfeit currency cases are rising in Putnam County and in nearby, Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. reported Wednesday. His department is investigating several local cases involving $100 bills.

The bills are being used to make minor purchases at convenient stores, drug stores and eateries, Langley said. The small purchase allows the suspect(s) in the cases to walk away with legal US currency — leaving their unsuspecting victims short financially.

The sheriff's department released this photo from a surveillance camera of one suspect they're looking for:

The sheriff would like to remind all merchants and consumers to check currency passed during transactions for its authenticity. Counterfeit currency can easily by detected using the proper tools commercially available or, if you suspect the currency is counterfeit, you can contact your local law enforcement agency.

Meanwhile, New York State police investigators are attempting to identify three people who they say used counterfeit $100 bills at the Kohl's store on East Main Street in Cortlandt earlier in February. SEE PHOTOS: Cops Probing Counterfeit Money Seek Help IDing Suspects