Over the past few weeks, the Champaign Police Department has received several reports of counterfeit money being presented to area businesses. While there is an ongoing investigation with the United States Secret Service, the Champaign Police Department is notifying our area businesses and local community about this fraudulent crime.
Investigators have learned that much of the counterfeit currency is often placed into circulation by passing it through the hands of several persons. These persons then continue to circulate the money by making small purchases at area businesses. The predominant area where police have recovered counterfeit currency is primarily from businesses located on, or near, north Prospect Avenue in Champaign.
Many of the recent reports involve subjects using the counterfeit money for pizza deliveries and at several fast food restaurants. Police have recovered counterfeit money ranging from one ($1) to ($100) dollar bills.
Police are warning the public to be wary of unknown persons who attempt to pass along money, ask for bills to be traded out or make requests for change. Police have also received reports of large sums of counterfeit cash being distributed or tossed into groups of people. Reports made to the Champaign Police Department will be forwarded to the United States Secret Service for further review.
Anyone having information regarding those involved with counterfeiting currency can call the Champaign Police Department, at (217) 351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS.) Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to:www.373tips.com or by texting keyword “CCTIP” plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES).