ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT)- New York State Police (NYSP) is urging businesses and vendors to check cash carefully and follow safety steps if they suspect a counterfeit bill.
Related: US Attorney: Albany man led $1M stolen check fraud scheme
In a Facebook post, the NYSP reminded businesses, seasonal food stands and vendors that employees who handle cash should know the look, feel and security features of real U.S. currency.
The agency said workers should take a few extra seconds to feel, tilt and check each bill. That includes checking the paper and raised printing, looking for a watermark and embedded security thread when applicable and making sure those features match the bill’s denomination.
Police also said people should tilt bills to look for color-shifting ink and other security features. They said suspicious bills should be compared with a known genuine bill of the same denomination and series.
A counterfeit-detection pen should be used only as an extra screening tool and not the only way to decide whether a bill is real. The agency also said businesses should check all denominations, especially during busy transactions or when an employee is being distracted.
If a bill looks counterfeit, NYSP said people should not try to use it or put it back into circulation. They also should not confront or try to detain the person who passed it.
Related: Queensbury: Two men arrested for trying to use fake $100 bills
If it can be done safely, police said businesses should keep the bill, limit handling, note the person’s description and vehicle information, preserve any surveillance video and contact local law enforcement or the NYSP.
For an active emergency or immediate threat, police said to call 911.
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