Seaside, OR — Police are urging local businesses to be vigilant after a series of attempts to pass counterfeit $100 bills at establishments in Seaside on Wednesday. Authorities say at least one of the suspects was also involved in shoplifting and fraudulently using counterfeit money at the Fred Meyer store in nearby Warrenton.
According to the Seaside Police Department, several merchants reported encountering individuals attempting to use fake bills to make purchases. While no specific details about the suspects’ identities have been released, police believe the individuals targeted multiple businesses within Seaside before heading to Warrenton.
At Fred Meyer in Warrenton, at least one of the suspects is alleged to have stolen items from the store while also passing counterfeit bills. Law enforcement is investigating whether the same group of individuals is responsible for both incidents.
Seaside police are asking all business owners and staff members to be extra cautious when handling large bills. Counterfeit currency can sometimes be difficult to spot, but common red flags include poor print quality, incorrect watermarks, and an overall lack of the fine details that are typically found on legitimate U.S. currency.
The police department has advised merchants to report any suspicious activity immediately and to train employees on how to recognize counterfeit bills. Businesses are also encouraged to use counterfeit detection tools, such as UV light scanners or magnifying devices, to help identify fraudulent money.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from affected businesses to gather more information about the suspects’ identities and movements.
Residents are also being asked to report any related tips or information to the Seaside Police Department.
