Rash of counterfeit bills hits Prineville

Several crudely photocopied, counterfeit $20 and $100 bills have been passed at Prineville gas stations and convenience stores in the past week, prompting police to warn merchants and the public Wednesday to be on the lookout.

In most cases, the bills weren’t spotted until the business tried to make a bank deposit, said police Capt. Michael Boyd.

So far, $280 in fake bills have been passed in the city, and “we anticipate more bills will be discovered,” Boyd said.

Police encouraged all businesses to carefully scrutinize bills, and to use “assistive devices” such as counterfeit detection pens to check currency.

Anyone with information that could help track down the counterfeiters was asked to contact Prineville police Det. James Peterson at (541) 447-4168.

You can also provide tips via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-877-876-TIPS, or on the online form on KTVZ.COM’s Crime Stoppers page. You can remain anonymous, and you could be eligible for a cash reward.