Counterfeit cash incidents made headlines across the United States throughout July. Reports involved fake $100 bills, movie-prop currency and coordinated attempts to pass counterfeit money at local businesses.

Here are five notable cases and the lessons they offer businesses that accept cash.

1. Thousands in Counterfeit Bills Found After Virginia Grocery Store Incident

Two women were arrested after allegedly passing counterfeit $100 bills at a Food Lion in Cape Charles, Virginia. Authorities reportedly discovered several thousand dollars in additional suspected counterfeit currency during the investigation.

Business takeaway: A single suspicious transaction may be connected to a larger operation. Employees should immediately notify management when a bill fails verification.

2. Texas Police Warn of Counterfeit and Prop Money

The Big Spring Police Department warned businesses after receiving multiple reports of counterfeit and prop money being used in local transactions.

Business takeaway: When authorities issue a local warning, review cash-handling procedures with employees across every shift.

3. Movie-Prop Currency Circulating in Georgia

Police in Tifton, Georgia, warned that movie-prop bills were reportedly circulating in $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Prop money may look convincing during a rushed transaction, but it often includes phrases such as “For Motion Picture Use Only,” “Copy Money” or “Not Legal Tender.”

Business takeaway: Employees should examine the entire bill for unusual wording rather than relying only on its overall appearance.

4. Counterfeit Bills Passed at Multiple Businesses in Ithaca, New York

The Ithaca Police Department is investigating several reports of counterfeit U.S. currency being used at local retail businesses. Police issued a warning on July 28 and urged merchants to inspect cash carefully before accepting it.

Business takeaway: When counterfeit bills appear at multiple local businesses, employees should be alerted immediately. Consistent verification can help stop suspicious currency from continuing to circulate through the community.

5. Counterfeit $100 Bill Allegedly Used at New Jersey Gas Station

A man was accused of using a counterfeit $100 bill to purchase nearly $97 in gasoline at a Sunoco station in Rutherford, New Jersey. Police alleged that the bill was crumpled and quickly presented during the transaction.

Business takeaway: Folded or crumpled bills should still be carefully inspected. Employees should not allow urgency or unusual customer behavior to interrupt standard verification procedures.

What These Cases Tell Businesses

July’s reports highlight several recurring counterfeit cash risks:

• High-denomination bills remain a common target
• Prop money can be mistaken for genuine currency
• Counterfeit bills can spread quickly throughout a community
• Busy or rushed transactions create opportunities for suspicious bills to go unchecked
• One detection method may not be enough

Employees should check multiple security features, including watermarks, embedded security threads, color-shifting ink, microprinting and magnetic ink.

Dri Mark offers counterfeit detection solutions for a variety of cash-handling environments, from the original Counterfeit Detector Pen to multi-test devices that help businesses verify several hidden security features quickly and confidently.

Tip of the Month

When counterfeit currency is reported in your area, share the warning with employees immediately. Review your verification process and confirm that reliable counterfeit detection tools are available at every register.

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