Counterfeit cash is making its way around the Amarillo area and authorities are telling shop owners and consumers to be on the lookout.
According to the Amarillo Police Department, officers are investigating at least five recent cases of counterfeit bills arriving in Amarillo. The bills have shown up at restaurants, motels, local retailers and in the hands of private individuals. $20, $50 and $100 denominations have been spotted in the counterfeiting.
Those with $20 and $50 bills should check the bills for a "slick" feeling paper. The paper quality is reported to be poor and blurred when compared to real bills. The $100 bills have shown up in two ways, first with the words "FOR MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES" to the right of the bill's portrait and along the top of the back of the bill. On the other bill, the word "REPLICA" appears under the serial number along with the phrase “this note is not legal it is to be used for motion pictures.”
Authorities say that to prevent being duped by a counterfeit bill, avoid being rushed an any cash handling. If someone attempts to pass off a counterfeit bill, retain the bill if you can and get a description of the person and their car. Then call your emergency number of 378-3038.
For more information, please visit police.amarillo.gov.
Photo by Amarillo Police Department