Fulton police issue warning about counterfeit bills

The Fulton Police Department issued a warning to area business owners Friday regarding the circulation of counterfeit $50 bills.

The department had received several complaints from local merchants recently that had received some of these bills.

"We had an instance where there have been three businesses affected," said Lt. Andre Cook. "One business took in a couple of bills and didn't realize it until the end of the day, another realized it pretty quickly and did not accept (the bills), one recognized it was counterfeit right away and did not accept it."

Lt. Lyla Robbins said the daytime shift also had taken a number of reports of counterfeit bills.

Cook said there were a variety of businesses hit, including convenience stores, and that the investigation still is ongoing.

"We're not sure who all the players are in this," Cook responded when asked whether authorities believed it was the same individual hitting all of the establishments.

As officers continue to look into the incidents, Cook said he would advise area business owners and patrons to be careful when accepting bills of higher denomination.

"Just be cautious. Use a counterfeit detection pin, look for the safety strip embedded in the bill as well as the holograms, check the texture of the paper," Cook said, noting that thus far the reports have been primarily for $50 bills. "I just want the public to be aware so they don't accept (counterfeit bills). We just want them to be cautious."