Little Caesars in St. Johns County is latest victim of counterfeit money

For criminals looking to rip you off, counterfeit money is often the method of choice.

The latest victim? A Little Caesars in Hastings.

According to a St. Johns County police report, the store manager came across two counterfeit $20 bills while counting the deposit from the previous day’s business.

She noticed something was off because of the paper quality, detail and both bills had the exact same serial number.

“It’s pretty scary, people are getting real creative,” said Tenique Broughton.

Last November Action News Jax reported how the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrested two women suspected of being part of a counterfeit money scheme.

Within that month, Action News Jax found 12 police reports involving fake money.

“It’s the times we live in, technology,” said Lisa Hampton. “You can pay a bill you can do everything with a swipe left swipe right, find a man, find a woman, order some food, and make a hundred-dollar bill.”

There are ways you can make sure the money is real. For example, run your fingernail right underneath the face that's on the bill. You should feel a ripple and hear the scratch noise.

You can also hold it up to the light, look for the watermark replica of the face on the bill.

Also, on newer bills the copper on the number shifts colors.

There’s also a small security strip with the words “USA” and the bill’s denomination. If you hold it up to the light, you’ll be able to see it.

And if you’re still not sure, take Hampton’s advice.

“If it feels funny you know it’s the feel, you know the feel. You know real money and if it doesn’t feel right I give it back,” said Hampton.

Cox Media Group