WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – New York State Police are investigating a scheme involving counterfeit $100 bills used at multiple Dollar General stores across the North Country, including locations in Black River, Watertown, and Hannibal.
New York State Police are looking for a suspect accused of providing counterfeit currency at several area Dollar General stores.(WWNY)
On July 25, 2026, at approximately 11:43 a.m., an unknown male entered the Dollar General at 28525 State Route 3 in the village of Black River and requested that $500 be loaded onto an online gift card account. He provided five $100 bills as payment. After the transaction was completed and the man left the store, an employee noticed that two of the bills had identical serial numbers. Further examination determined that all five bills were counterfeit.
State Police said the man has targeted multiple Dollar General stores throughout the North Country. A similar incident involving the same suspect occurred at a Dollar General in Watertown and is being investigated by the Watertown Police Department.
On July 28, 2026, the suspect entered the Dollar General in the village of Hannibal, Oswego County, and attempted to use counterfeit currency to load funds onto an online account. That transaction was declined and reported to State Police.
The suspect is described as a Black male, between 20 and 30 years old, standing 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a slim build. At the time of the incidents, he was wearing a black durag, white tank top, black sweatpants, and red sneakers. He is believed to be driving a gray four-door sedan.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police in Watertown at (315) 782-2112 and reference case NY2600915189.
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