Police Investigating Grand Junction Counterfeit Bills

Check out your money carefully. The counterfeiters are back in Grand Junction.

Police report that there have been at least three cases of counterfeit bills showing up in Grand Junction stores last week. Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's have been the retail outlets that this new strand of fake $20 bills has been spotted.

Thankfully, because of the store's policies, these bills were found and taken out of circulation. However, that does not mean that there are not a whole bunch out there in the community, with more possibly set to enter the marketplace.

If you have any concerns about bills you may have in your wallet or purse, most times a retail store will check them for you. They use what's called a Counterfeit Detector Pen. If the pen mark stays clear, the bill is good to go. But, on the other hand, if the mark turns a dark color-fake!

You can also check the security thread and the watermark.

To learn more about how to spot a counterfeit bill and what to do if you come in contact with one, check out the United States Department of the Treasury's website. For example:

• Do not put yourself in danger.
• Do not try to return the fake bill to the person passing it.
• Get as much information on the person's description as you can.
• If possible, license plate number
• Contact local police
• Do not handle the bill