The Creston Police Department reported several counterfeit $100 bills have been received by Walmart in Creston.
“As was explained to me, they have bleached a $5 bill and turned it into a $100 bill,” said Ellen Gerharz, executive director of Creston Chamber of Commerce in an email to the Creston News Advertiser.
“Since it is on the correct paper, the pen will not alert you,” Gerharz added. “What you need to do is hold the bill up to the light and look for the strip going through the bill, as well as the President’s face.”
Gerharz offered a counterfeit example of a $100 bill.
“If it is counterfeit, the fake will have Lincoln’s face hidden in it instead of Franklin. The strip will say 5...if it is a $5 bill.”
Creston Police Department is the process of obtaining surveillance video from Walmart.
“We believe it is the same person who has been doing this across the state,” said Creston Police Chief Paul Ver Meer.
Ver Meer explains how the public can help.
“Keep the bill, get a good description, and a license plate number if possible,” said Ver Meer. “That would really help.
Ver Meer added that the United States Secret Service has been notified and hopes they will be able to help.
If you suspect you have received counterfeit money, contact Creston Police Department at (641) 782-8402.