Counterfeit bills surface in Albany
By David H. Waller
Albany police are investigating multiple incidents involving counterfeit cash passed at local businesses, including Prairie Star, a donut shop, and potentially Allsup’s. The incidents, which occurred on May 14, involved at least four individuals suspected of using fake $100 and $50 bills.
According to Albany Police Chief Mike House, the investigation began when First Financial Bank in Albany identified the counterfeit $100 bill and alerted Prairie Star. Shortly after, police learned that a $50 bill passed at a local donut shop was also likely fake.
“We’re still working to determine whether the individuals knew the bills were counterfeit,” House said. “Sometimes people unknowingly receive fake currency, but when we see multiple locations involved, it raises more concerns.”
How the scam worked
House said the suspects entered Prairie Star and purchased small items using a $100 bill, which allowed them to receive a large amount of legitimate cash as change. The same tactic was used at the donut shop with a $50 bill.
“They tend to do this during the busiest times, when clerks are distracted,” House said. “That’s why we’re advising businesses to be extra cautious when accepting $50 and $100 bills.”
Investigators believe the counterfeit bills may have originally been real $10 bills that were altered to appear as $50s and $100s, which is why counterfeit detection pens did not flag them as fake.
“One of the bills passed the initial counterfeit pen test,” House said. “But once it went to the bank, they could tell it wasn’t real.”
Police believe at least four people were involved—two inside the store and possibly two more waiting in a truck outside. Surveillance footage captured clear images of the suspects and their vehicle, which authorities are analyzing.
Investigators are withholding some details of the case to avoid alerting the suspects while they continue their efforts to identify them.
Investigation and
community response
The investigation remains ongoing, with police working to determine if the individuals had knowledge that the bills were fake. House said one challenge in these cases is proving intent.
“That’s the hard part,” he said. “People can easily say they had no idea. But when you have multiple incidents at different locations, it starts to build a case.”
Police are also considering whether the suspects may have targeted other businesses in the area. House said he plans to check with additional stores and speak with bank officials to gather more details about the counterfeit bills.
“It was an older bill,” House noted. “The new $100 bills have those strong security features, but counterfeiters know how to work around that. With today’s technology and knowledge, they’re able to make fakes that look pretty real.”
Next steps in the case
House said police have solid leads and will be sending the images of the suspects for further identification.
“We’ve got good pictures, and we’ll be sending them off to some people to help confirm their identities,” he said. “It’s still early in the investigation, but we’re following strong leads.”
Investigators also believe the suspects may be familiar with the area, based on their movements before and after the transactions.
“I don’t know if they’re from Albany, but I do think they’ve been in the area before,” House said. “They knew where they were going and how to leave quickly.”
While police have not released names or specific descriptions of the suspects, House said that could change if arrests are made.
Business owners and residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious transactions involving large bills. Anyone with information that may help the investigation is urged to contact the Albany Police Department.
