Counterfeit money cases increasing in East Tennessee, Crime Stoppers warns

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – East Tennessee authorities are warning individuals to remain conscious of counterfeit cash making its approach via the world.

In response to the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, counterfeit cash can go unnoticed for lengthy durations of time and often solely will get detected on the financial institution.

“Sadly, although oftentimes what occurs is that they don’t acknowledge it till the individual brings it to the financial institution and the financial institution lets them know that they’ve counterfeit cash,” Stacey Payne with ETVCS stated.

At present, there have been 4 reported circumstances of pretend cash getting used at companies within the area. Nonetheless, Crime Stoppers stated they’re positive there are personal sale circumstances that go unknown.

One individual in Sevierville was handed faux money in a transaction lately and didn’t discover it immediately, in response to officers. As soon as legislation enforcement discovered an individual of curiosity, they hit extra roadblocks.

“They stole a license plate to placed on their automotive once they have been doing this transaction,” Payne stated.

Though money can move from hand handy rapidly, Crime Stoppers needs individuals to take an additional have a look at their payments.

Pink flags of counterfeit money can embody a number of payments having the identical serial quantity and/or if they don’t have ridges. As well as, if the watermark is seen on the cash, it’s greater than doubtless faux, because it ought to solely be seen when held as much as the sunshine.

“If taking in cash, check out it. It solely takes a second to rub your finger throughout the invoice to see if there are any ridges,” Payne defined. “It takes a second to see if there’s a watermark.”

Individuals who really feel they’ve been scammed with counterfeit money are urged to contact legislation enforcement.

“It’s essential contact your financial institution. They may also help you identify that and native legislation enforcement as a result of that cash might be taken in,” Payne stated. “We would like all the details about that.”

Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved.