Beware counterfeit bills

The Warren County Sheriff's Department is warning locals to be aware of counterfeit bills currently circulating in Warren County. The first report of fake 100 bills was updated a few hours later to note reports of other denominations also in circulation.

Jennifer Roberts from First National Bank in downtown McMinnville said she was notified this week of the situation. She says that it's believed the bills, which are marked "FOR MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES" and "COPY MONEY" were purchased at an auction. Though the money is marked for use in movies, Roberts warned that the look and feel are quite convincing apart from that. Even the blue security strip on the hundreds can be made out instantly.

Roberts urged people to pay close attention and be wary when receiving change or payment in cash. If you do receive fake bills, be sure to report them to your financial institution or police as soon as you realize it. Be advised that you cannot expect to receive any replacement from banks, businesses or the government. Banks are required by law to confiscate counterfeit bills and turn them over to the Secret Service, which investigates counterfeit currency. Some businesses may also confiscate the bill. In circumstances where a person has multiple counterfeit bills, whether they’re aware or not, it could potentially lead to arrest. The monetary loss from receiving counterfeit bills may be covered by some homeowner's or rental insurance policies in amounts up to $500 or $1,000 depending on the policy in question.

All bills except for $1 and $2 have a clear thread embedded vertically that is only visible when held to the light. Each denomination will glow a different color when exposed to UV light. As realistic as the appearance of the bills are, the motion picture money making the rounds does not react to anti-counterfeit measures such as counterfeit detector marker pens and UV counterfeit detecting tools.