Use of counterfeit bills on the rise in El Dorado County

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) is reporting a significant increase in the amount of counterfeit currency being passed along the Highway 50 corridor. The bills found to be fake have consisted mainly of $20 and $100 dollar bills.

The suspects have passed the bills at El Dorado County businesses in exchange for products or in the purchase of gift cards.

According to EDSO Sgt. Tasha Thompson, Safeway stores in particular seem to be targeted, and use of the fake bills at self-checkout stations has been a common occurrence.

"If you are a business owner or work for a retail business, please check the cash that you receive for anything that is unusual," said EDSO on a Facebook post. "Many times these counterfeit bills will not feel the same or the color is not exactly correct."

The Sheriff's department says if you do receive a bill from a customer that looks to be counterfeit, attempt to gain any information about the person passing the bill; such as physical description and vehicle description, to include license plate. Then contact the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office at 530-621-6600.