NEWPORT — The Newport Police Department says they are investigating after counterfeit bills were passed at two city businesses this week.
This morning at 6:20 a.m., a Newport Police officer responded to Cumberland Farms on a report that two fake $20 bills had been passed there by a customer.
After conducting a preliminary investigation, the officer determined that the bills were counterfeit.
Police say an officer also responded yesterday to a report that a fake $20 bill had been passed at Maplefields, on Main Street.
Police are warning merchants to closely scrutinize cash to ensure it isn’t counterfeit.
All three bills had the same serial number, which was MC31793661B.
“I want to remind all of our business owners to take care to confirm the authenticity of any cash they accept,” Chief DiSanto said. “We also hope that anyone who comes across a suspicious bill will let us know so that we can investigate.”
Newport Police are now reviewing surveillance footage, and actively investigating the origin of the counterfeit cash.
