Police Investigate Counterfeit $100 Bill Scheme in North Country
Authorities say one suspect used fake bills to load money onto online accounts at multiple Dollar General stores.
A North Country counterfeit currency investigation is underway after police said fake $100 bills were used or presented at several Dollar General stores across northern and central New York. The New York State Police are asking businesses and members of the public to help identify a suspect connected to the incidents. No arrest had been announced as of July 29, 2026. The person described by police has not been charged, and the investigation remains active.
What Police Say Happened in Black River
The investigation began after State Police were called to the Dollar General at 28525 State Route 3 in the village of Black River on July 25.
Police said an unknown man entered the store at about 11:43 a.m. and asked an employee to load $500 onto an online gift card account. He allegedly paid for the transaction with five $100 bills.
The employee reportedly became suspicious after the man left because two of the bills had the same serial number. Further examination found that all five bills were counterfeit, according to State Police.
Duplicate serial numbers can be a warning sign because legitimate Federal Reserve notes are printed with identifying serial numbers. However, consumers and store employees should examine several security features rather than relying on a single detail.
Police Link Suspect to Other Store Incidents
Investigators believe the same individual targeted multiple Dollar General locations in the North Country.
Police said a similar incident was reported at a Dollar General in the city of Watertown. That case is being investigated by the Watertown Police Department.
A third incident was reported July 28 at the Dollar General in the village of Hannibal in Oswego County. Police said the suspect attempted to use counterfeit money to place funds into an online account, but the transaction was declined and reported.
The incidents show why businesses may need to use extra care when a customer attempts to purchase gift cards or load large amounts of money onto an online account using high-denomination bills.
Police have not publicly stated how the counterfeit notes were produced or whether other people may be involved. Those details cannot be verified at this time.
Description Released by State Police
State Police described the person they are seeking as:
- A Black male believed to be between 20 and 30 years old
- Approximately 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall
- Slim build
- Last seen wearing a black durag, white tank top, black sweatpants and red sneakers
- Possibly driving a gray four-door sedan
The description was provided by investigators to help locate a person connected to the inquiry. It should not be used to accuse or confront anyone who happens to resemble it.
Anyone who believes they recognize the suspect should contact police rather than approach the person.
How to Check a $100 Bill
The U.S. Currency Education Program recommends a simple three-step method: “Feel, tilt, check.”
Feel the paper
Genuine U.S. currency has a distinctive texture. The paper is made from a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, and raised printing should make the surface feel slightly rough.
Tilt the bill
On a current-design $100 note:
- The number 100 in the lower-right corner changes from copper to green.
- The bell inside the copper-colored inkwell changes from copper to green.
- The blue 3-D security ribbon displays moving bells and 100s.
- The ribbon is woven into the paper rather than printed on top of it.
Hold it to the light
A genuine current-design $100 bill should have:
- A security thread to the left of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait
- The words “USA 100” printed on the embedded thread
- A Franklin watermark to the right of the portrait
- Features visible from both the front and back of the note
Older-design bills may look different but can still be legal tender. The government advises checking the security features associated with the year and design of the particular note rather than assuming an older bill is counterfeit.
What to Do With Suspected Counterfeit Money
Anyone who receives a suspicious bill should avoid passing it to another person. Knowingly attempting to spend suspected counterfeit currency could create further legal and financial problems.
Businesses should follow their established counterfeit-reporting procedures. Those steps may include notifying a manager, contacting loss-prevention staff or calling local law enforcement. Federal guidance also recommends contacting law enforcement or a local U.S. Secret Service field office when counterfeit currency is suspected.
Consumers and employees should also:
- Avoid confronting or physically detaining the person who presented the bill.
- Remember identifying details only when it can be done safely.
- Preserve any available receipt, video or transaction information.
- Contact police promptly.
- Avoid handling the bill more than necessary.
A counterfeit-detection pen can provide some information, but no single tool should replace an examination of the bill’s built-in security features.
Why Retailers Are Being Urged to Stay Alert
Counterfeit transactions can leave a business with a direct loss because a fake bill has no legitimate monetary value. In this case, the alleged method also involved placing funds onto an online account, which may allow money to be moved quickly after the transaction.
The New York State Police have classified the investigation as involving a suspected scheme to defraud and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Those are allegations under investigation, not findings of guilt.
Retailers throughout Jefferson, Oswego and surrounding counties may want to remind employees to check large bills carefully, especially during gift card and online-account transactions.
How to Contact Investigators
Anyone with information or who recognizes the person described by investigators is asked to call the New York State Police in Watertown at 315-782-2112.
Callers should reference case number NY2600915189.
Members of the public should not confront a possible suspect. Information, photographs or surveillance video should be given directly to law enforcement.
Staying Alert Without Spreading Fear
Counterfeit currency cases can create concern among local businesses, but awareness is more useful than panic. Employees can reduce their risk by slowing down, checking several security features and reporting suspicious transactions through the proper channels.
The North Country counterfeit currency investigation remains active. Until investigators identify the person involved and determine the full scope of the alleged scheme, stores and customers should carefully inspect high-denomination bills and share credible information with police.
Residents with relevant information should contact State Police and allow investigators to determine whether it is connected to the case.
