The Parachute Police Department issued a warning to local business owners about counterfeit $100 bills that have been received by a bank in the area. The fake bills have the same serial number and are easily identifiable by markings such as “For Motion Picture Only” and “Prop Use Only”.

How the counterfeit bills were discovered

The Parachute Police Department learned about the counterfeit bills from the local Alpine Bank, which reported receiving multiple fake $100 bills from customers. The bank staff noticed that all of the bills had the same serial number of G39276203A, which is a clear sign of counterfeiting. The bank also found markings on the bills that indicated they were not meant for circulation, such as “For Motion Picture Only” and “Prop Use Only”. The bank alerted the police department and handed over the counterfeit bills as evidence.

How to spot a fake bill

The Parachute Police Department advised business owners to use counterfeit detector pens and to familiarize themselves with the security features on genuine currency. Some of the security features on real $100 bills include:

• A blue 3-D security ribbon that moves when the bill is tilted
• A color-shifting bell in the inkwell that changes from copper to green when the bill is tilted
• A watermark of Benjamin Franklin that is visible from both sides when the bill is held up to the light
• A security thread that glows pink when exposed to ultraviolet light
• Microprinting on various parts of the bill that is visible under a magnifying glass

The police department also urged business owners to report any suspicious bills to them as soon as possible. The police department can be reached at (970) 285-7630.

The consequences of counterfeiting money

Counterfeiting money is a serious crime that can have severe consequences at the federal level. According to the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for investigating and preventing counterfeiting, the punishment for making or passing counterfeit money can include up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Additionally, anyone who possesses counterfeit money with the intent to defraud can face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.

The U.S. Secret Service also warns that counterfeiting money can have negative impacts on the economy and the public trust. Counterfeiting money can reduce the value of real money, increase inflation, and erode consumer confidence. Counterfeiting money can also harm legitimate businesses that lose revenue and incur costs from accepting fake bills.

How to prevent counterfeiting money

The U.S. Secret Service offers several tips for preventing counterfeiting money and protecting oneself from becoming a victim of fraud. Some of the tips include:

• Always check the security features on the bills before accepting them
• Compare the bills with other bills of the same denomination and series
• Use a counterfeit detection device or app if available
• Do not return the suspected counterfeit bills to the person who gave them to you
• Contact the local police or the nearest U.S. Secret Service field office if you receive or encounter counterfeit bills

The U.S. Secret Service also encourages the public to report any information about counterfeiting money to them through their website or by calling 1-800-321-4400.