Counterfeit bills circling Clinton County

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) - The Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating nine reports of counterfeiting cases, primarily involving $20 bills. Other larger undisclosed amounts have also been passed.  

Frankfort Police Chief Troy Bacon urges the community, local businesses and banking institutions to be on high alert for individuals passing these fraudulent bills.

"It is of the utmost importance for business owners, banks and citizens to notify their local authorities so an investigation can be launched. Counterfeiting is a federal offense, frequently handled by the Secret Service. However, it also is a state crime that can be addressed locally and often much more efficiently," Bacon said.

Here's what to look out for: Chief Bacon said counterfeit bills have an unusual color to them. The texture or feel of the paper is different and there is no security script on the inside of these fraudulent bills.

"If anything doesn't seem right with bills received, we would like folks to give us a call and let us check them out. It’s better to be safe than sorry," Bacon explained.

One Frankfort business manager who always looks for that security strip is Kent Wilkin. Wilkin said whenever larger bills are used at Ye Olde Spirit Shoppe, he always advises his employees to check and make sure the bills aren't counterfeit.

"We have a pin that if the bill should change color, that would be one thing, if they thinks its counterfeit then, just keep the bill and call the police and we'll go from there," Wilkin said.

Any questions or reports can be directed to Frankfort Police Detective Major Jason Albaugh at 765-654-4277 or Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Captain Curt Catron at 765-654-5563.