Reports of counterfeit bills circulating

Pictured at top is one of several counterfeit $20 bills that turned up in Red Bud this week. Below is an actual $20 bill. (North County News photo)

Red Bud police say they have a person of interest after at least nine counterfeit $20 bills were discovered in their town this week. State Bank of Waterloo reported that counterfeit bills have been circulating in Monroe County as well.

“We’ve noticed them in the past few days at a few of our merchants,” State Bank of Waterloo President Mark Altadonna said. “Our currency counters are programmed to recognize counterfeit bills and our staff is trained to spot them as well.”

The fake bills started showing up in Red Bud banks Wednesday morning through deposits made by local businesses, Red Bud police detective John Brittingham told the North County News. The fake bills in Red Bud were spent primarily at gas stations, fast food locations and Dollar General.

When comparing to actual currency, there is some distortion in the images on the counterfeits, as well as a slightly different ink color. Also, most of the bills do not look like they were cut as cleanly as real $20s, as the edges are not straight. All of the fake bills used in Red Bud contain the same serial number: IF 09118673 G.


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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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