Police issue warning about counterfeit bills being passed in Riverhead

Riverhead Police have issued a warning about counterfeit currency being circulated in the local area.

The police have received numerous reports of people passing or attempting to pass counterfeit currency at stores on Route 58, according to a police press release.

The counterfeit bills were of “very low quality” and “easily detectable as counterfeit, as long as preventable measures are taken to examine the bills correctly,” police said.

Businesses operating in the Riverhead area should familiarize themselves with the color, clarity, quality and safety features of U.S. currencies, if not familiar already, police said. Tips for detecting counterfeit currency can be found on the U.S. Treasury website.

If you suspect a counterfeit note or have information about counterfeiting activity, please report it immediately to your local police department or the U.S. Secret Service.

If someone attempts to pass counterfeit currency, try to delay the person with some excuse, if possible, and contact police, but do not put yourself in danger, police said.

Observe the passer’s description – and their companions’ descriptions – and write down their vehicle license plate numbers if you can.

Write your initials and date in the white border area of the suspected counterfeit note.

DO NOT handle the counterfeit note more than necessary. Place it inside a protective cover, a plastic bag, or envelope to protect it until you place it in the hands of an identified police officer or Secret Service agent.

Simple devices such as the “Dri Mark Products Tri-Test Ultraviolet Counterfeit Detection System” can assist in identifying counterfeit currency. These devices are reasonably priced and can be found on several websites, police said.