KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii Police Department has collected $120 in counterfeit bills after receiving reports of fake $20 and $100 bills circulating in businesses around the Kailua-Kona area, authorities confirmed Monday.
Police first heard reports of the fraudulent money about midweek last week. Lt. Sherry Bird said money was used in transactions at gas stations along Kuakini Highway and at Jack in the Box.
“At first glance, the counterfeit currency appears to be genuine, however, closer inspections have found the texture of several bills to be similar to computer paper,” according a press release issued Monday. “In addition, the fraudulent bills lacked any of the security features found on legitimate currency. Counterfeit detection pens have also assisted in detecting counterfeit money.”
The department is encouraging community members and businesses to be aware of the many security features embedded in legitimate United States paper currency. Details about these security features can be found by visiting the United States Secret Service website at https://www.secretservice.gov/ and then by clicking the “Know Your Money” link found under the “Investigation” tab on the top of the page.
If a counterfeit bill is located, police ask that it be treated as evidence by placing it into an envelope and call the police immediately.
Anyone with information about the manufacturing, possession or distribution of counterfeit money should call police department’s nonemergency number at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.