Counterfeit currency has shown up again in the southwest Iowa community of Creston. Creston Police Chief Jamie Christensen says "scammers" aren’t just doing their dirty work over the phone these days — they’re trying to use "fake money," too.
"The denominations have been normally in the $10 range," Christensen says. "Now, we’ve seen some $100 ones." Christensen is advising businesses to get a special ink pen from their bank that can help determine whether bills are counterfeit. "If you do get (a counterfeit bill) in your business…just take note of the person, the description, the license plate on a car," the police chief advises. "…If you have the ability to contact us while they’re still in there, that’s great but do not confront anybody that’s possibly committing a crime."
Those caught trying to buy something with counterfeit currency face fines of up to five-thousand dollars and up to 15 years in prison.