The Florence Police Department has seen an issue with counterfeit cash being used in local businesses.
In 2017 law enforcement officers had 171 counterfeit money cases and in 2018 that number was 158. Officials say it’s not just businesses being targeted but people who buy items off websites like Craigslist or Facebook.
“One of the issues that we face with the City of Florence is that we have a large retail business around the area. That means we have that target rich environment for people who want to pass counterfeit money,” said Lt. Mike Brandt with the Florence police department.
Handing and receiving cash during work hours might be an easy part of the job, but looking at the bill to see it it’s fake is not something people do often. The Florence police department warns locals especially during the holiday season.
Lt. Brandt said it’s not only small businesses being targeted, big chain also need to be on the lookout.
‘”Just the general appearance of the bill itself. You know how you deal with counterfeit if you study the real thing and if doesn’t match up then it’s probably not going to be the real thing,” said Lt. Brandt.
A local business near South Irby Street was targeted two weeks ago, the manager explained this happens way too often. “We were using the marker but sometimes the marker doesn’t work. So we just know by the color,” said Anwar Aziz manager at Smoker’s Town.
One of the most recent cases officials have seen is people buying phones online. “Look at the money, make sure the serial numbers aren’t the same in all of them,” said Lt. Brandt.
If you’ve been targeted with fake bills, you’re urged to report it to your local authorities.