A bank with offices in Cadiz, Mayfield, and other western Kentucky communities is warning residents and businesses to be on the lookout for a different type of counterfeit money that is circulating.
FNB Bank and other banks have reported an influx of fake $20, $50, and $100 bills, primarily discovered in cash deposits from area businesses. This trend suggests that counterfeiters are targeting local restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores to circulate these fraudulent notes.
Security Officer Nick Johnson says these counterfeit bills are sophisticated alterations of “prop” or “movie” money, typically used in film productions and marked with “For Motion Picture Use Only.” The counterfeiters have chemically washed these notes to remove such markings, replacing them with “United States of America.” The areas where the original labels were have a noticeably rough texture due to the washing process. Additionally, some bills exhibit coffee-like stains, likely intended to mask signs of chemical treatment.
Alarmingly, these altered bills have been treated to deceive counterfeit detection pens, leading to inconsistent results during authenticity checks. While one mark may indicate a counterfeit, another might suggest the bill is genuine, complicating the detection process.
Local authorities advise businesses and individuals to exercise heightened vigilance when handling cash transactions, especially with $20, $50, and $100 denominations. Johnson says it’s crucial to inspect bills for irregularities, such as unusual textures, stains, or discrepancies in standard security features. If presented with a suspicious bill, do not accept it. Instead, note the presenter’s description and contact law enforcement or follow your company’s established procedures.
Photos provided by FNB Bank
