Counterfeit cash being distributed in county

Counterfeit money has been distributed in both Winfall and Hertford over the past two weeks.

On Oct. 1, three fake $20 bills were found at Winfall Deli. In September, someone passed fake $20 and $100 bills at Food Lion and Hess in Hertford.

Local merchants are encouraged to pay close attention and examine any $20 or $100 bills received.

“Be diligent about checking any money taken in,” said Winfall Police Chief David Shaffer. “A lot of times, these folks will wait and try to pass fake money when the cashier is busy.”

“Check the color of the ink, look for the holograms, and check for security strips on the money,” added Hertford Police Chief Joe Amos. “If they are still not sure, call the police and we can examine it for them.”

So far, descriptions of the suspect are vague. The majority of the bills were not found until the bank deposit was being made, police said.

Amos said one bill was caught before being passed, but the person who passed the bill was an elderly woman who is not a suspect in the case. As of Friday, no arrest had been made. Investigation is continuing.

The fake cash will be turned over to the U. S. Secret Service, Amos pointed out.