Overview

• Local authorities report several instances of fake $50 notes used for purchases at area businesses in western Minnesota.
• The seized bills share identical serial numbers, lighter blue coloring to the left of Ulysses S. Grant, and a texture that differs from genuine currency.
• Investigators note a red mark on the back near the Capitol Building that may reflect a prior counterfeit-pen test on the original bill copied.
• The sheriff’s office has obtained at least one example of the counterfeit note and released an image to aid recognition.
• Officials have not determined how many fake bills are in circulation or who is producing them, and they advise merchants to adopt sub-$10 detector pens and heightened cash scrutiny.