CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says his office has been alerted about counterfeit money being passed in Charleston.
Morrisey announced Friday it’s been mostly $10 bills with the serial number IL 31448733B that are being used at a number of merchants.
Morrisey said the best thing a business can do with a counterfeit bill is to keep it and call police or Secret Service.
“Don’t give it back to the person. Take it and turn it over to law enforcement,” Morrisey said.
The U.S. Secret Service offers the following tips if you receive a counterfeit bill:
Do not return it to the person who gave it to you.
Observe their description, as well as that of any companions, and the license plate numbers of any vehicles used.
Write your initials and the date in the white border area of the suspicious note. Limit handling by then placing it in a protective covering, such as an envelope.
Contact your local police department or the Charleston field office of the U.S. Secret Service at (304) 347-5188 to surrender the note or coin. Ensure that you turn over the counterfeit money only to properly identified officers.
Morrisey’s office was contacted by a Charleston bank about the recent counterfeit bills.