Counterfeit money problem grows in North Carolina
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- At least nine different business across North Carolina and Virginia have been hit by criminals using counterfeit $100 bills all with the same serial number.
We first told you last week about a Hillsborough Walmart giving Bilie Ann Andrew's a fake $100 bill.
After that story, we discovered other counterfeit cases around the state and in Virginia could all be connected.
The first incidents we are aware of happened in Roxboro on July 12. Three different business were hit. Police say two men passed fake $100 bills at the Walmart, Food Lion, and CVS. Here is one of the suspects police are looking for.
Then on August 6, investigators say several counterfeit $100 bills were passed again with the same serial number as the Roxboro case. In the morning hours in Dinwiddie County, VA Investigators say five $100 counterfeit bills were passed at two Food Lions. Here are the three suspects investigators are looking for.
Hours later in Hillsborough, police say an exact copy of the counterfeit $100 bill in Dinwiddie, VA and Roxboro was given to Billie Ann Andrews by a cashier in Walmart. A rep with Walmart tells us they got the fake bill from a previous customer.
Next, a few hours later on August 6 just west of Hillsborough, more counterfeit $100 bills showed up in Hudson, NC. Investigators say at three different businesses counterfeit $100 bills were given to cashiers. By the time the suspects went to the third business, police say they were on to the three men, and they were all arrested. The three men face counterfeit charges.
Investigators say they seized large amounts of fake bills at the time of arrest. In all cases, police say the suspects would buy something small, hand the cashier the fake $100 dollar bill to get change back.
While three of the suspects have been arrested related to the cases in Hudson, police in the different jurisdictions are still looking for their suspects. Investigators say they are checking to see if the three arrested suspects are connected to any of the other incidents.
At first glance, the fake $100 bills look real. Police say once you take a closer look, you'll see the differences like the blue strip is dull instead of shiny. Plus when you hold it up to the light, you can't see the watermark.
If you deal with $100 bills, take a close look before accepting it. Investigators say you also might want to invest in the counterfeit pens. While they're not 100 percent all the time, at least it's some protection. Investigators add besides fake $100 bills, they are also seeing a lot of counterfeit $20 bills.
For more tips on what to look for when it comes to counterfeit bills check out THIS LINK
