SALISBURY — Salisbury Police this week are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects wanted in connection with a series of incidents involving counterfeit currency over the last two weeks including the passage of phony movie prop $100 bills.
Salisbury Police detectives are currently investigating several incidents of counterfeit bills being distributed throughout the city and surrounding area. Investigators are looking into as many as 10 cases during a time span beginning Dec. 15 and continuing through the most recent known incident last Sunday.
The counterfeit bills have turned up in local convenience stores and retail establishments. In addition to several other incidents, Salisbury Police are looking into a single incident during which fake, movie prop $100 bills were used. The counterfeit currency has turned up in several increments from $5 bills, $20 bills, $50 bills and even the phony movie prop $100 bills, which were attempted to be passed at a local business.
The fake $100 bills were printed with the words “For Motion Picture Use Only,” and are described as prop money for movie, television or stage productions. A variety of purchases using the phony currency have been attempted including gift cards, car washing services, money orders and food. In some cases, the suspects attempted to change large bills for smaller denominations.
Salisbury Police are urging residents and businesses to be on the lookout for counterfeit currency and fake motion picture money. It is recommended that residents and business owners carefully examine all currency and compare the security markings to other legitimate bills.
Salisbury Police are also asking the recipients of any counterfeit or “prop” currency to hold on to it and contact the police as soon as it is reasonably practical to do so. Recipients of suspected counterfeit currency are also being asked to safely obtain a description of the suspects who are attempting to pass it, along with a description of their vehicles. There has been some video surveillance and still photographs of suspects acquired at the various businesses where the phony currency was passed, but they have not provided much to go on for investigators. Anyone who suspects they might have received counterfeit currency or has any other information that might aid in the investigation of the cases is urged to contact the Salisbury Police at 410-548-3166, or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.