Warning: Counterfeit $100 Bills Being Passed In Westchester

Peekskill Police said they have recently received reports of several unidentified subjects passing phony $100 bills at local businesses.

"We want to remind business owners to train employees to examine any money being exchanged and to call police if someone is attempting to use a counterfeit bill," the department said. "Businesses, particularly fast food restaurants and convenience stores, should be on the lookout for the fake $100 bills."

Police advise not confronting a person who is attempting to pass a counterfeit bill, but instead, call the police and be sure to take note of the person's appearance, license plate other identifying details. 

They offer these suggestions for spotting the fake money:

• Feel the texture of the paper. Counterfeit money will usually feel different than real money, which is made from cotton fibers and not regular paper.
• Check the thickness of the bill. Real money is made under extreme pressure which causes the paper to be extremely thin. Most counterfeit bills are printed on thicker paper.
• Compare your bill with another. Sometimes holding two bills up to each other will make it easy to see subtle differences that indicate your bill may be counterfeit.
• Look at the printing quality. The process of printing real currency is a guarded secret, so counterfeiters rely on other methods that don't always achieve the same quality results.

If you believe that you have a counterfeit bill, you should contact Peekskill Police immediately at 914-737-8000. 

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