WITY has received reports of several incidents of counterfeit money being passed in Danville. Police Chief Chris Yates says the city has not seen a significant spike in funny money, but it is possible for a load or source to come through the area.
He says people and businesses should be vigilant and pay extra attention to customers who try paying for small items with a large bill such as a $5 dollar item and paying with a $50 or a $100 bill wanting to break change. Also watch out for is a bill that appears worn, has uneven borders or smears. Even though all paper money is light, you can often tell a difference in the weight. Counterfeit bills are often lighter in weight. A watermark should usually be visible in currency. Many businesses use a specialized marker that often reacts to counterfeit ink.
Yates says a nervous customer often is a warning sign, but many scammers are cool customers who can play it off well. If someone suspects that they are being offered a counterfeit bill they should call the police and simply not accept the money. Get a good description of the person as well as the vehicle they leave in.
