Police: Be on Lookout for Counterfeit Bills

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is warning local businesses of suspects in the area attempting to pass counterfeit bills.

They have entered a number of stores throughout the county and attempted to purchase small items with counterfeit bills in the denominations of $20, $50 and $100. In some cases, the suspects have been successful in receiving a large amount of change after using the counterfeit bill to make a small purchase.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office asks businesses to remind employees to be on the lookout for counterfeit bills and is offering the following tips:

• Utilize a counterfeit bill detector pen for use with U.S. currency.
• 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 serial numbers are evenly spaced).
• Genuine currency paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded throughout.

Businesses that encounter a person attempting to use a counterfeit bill are asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency immediately.

More information on how to detect counterfeit money can be reviewed on the United States Secret Service website - just click here.