Counterfeit cash on the rise in Douglas
Reported cases of counterfeit cash are on the rise in Douglas.
The fake money is giving merchants a big headache at the register. Police say the problem is getting worse.
In 2005, Douglas police took 52 reports of counterfeit money. Then in 2006, the number of cases went up to 61. So far, 44 counterfeit cases have been reported this year. Police expect that number to increase dramatically by the end of December.
Olga Salazar is manager of the Border Mart convenience store in Douglas. They’ve had their share of counterfeit cash in the past, but they’re cracking down.
Salazar says, “I think that a lot of customers are aware that we use a counterfeit pen. Every bill, especially the 20’s because they have been coming in as counterfeit. We mark them on both sides. If it marks black, that’s a sign that it’s not good.”
Officer Marcus Gonzalez says, “We believe most of this money is being counterfeit in Mexico and brought across the border.”
Police are trying to find a solution.
“We’re currently in the process of coordinating with the secret service for them to conduct a presentation for local businesses and merchants.
