Seminar to show businesses how to spot fake bills

Some people call it "funny money," but to area merchants and law enforcement counterfeiting is seriously bad for business.

Cape Girardeau police took in 30 reports of counterfeit bills in 2002, said Sgt. Rick Schmidt.

To combat the problem, a free class on recognizing counterfeit money will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Osage Community Centre. The "Know Your Money" class will be taught by U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Thomas Canavit.

"It's mainly geared toward merchants based in the area that may come into contact with counterfeit currency," Schmidt said.

The course will illustrate how to detect, recognize and handle counterfeit bills by providing participants with hands-on experience with fake bills.

"This kind of opportunity hasn't come around for us before and the chance to attend the class is a good deal for us," said Janice Cosgrove, assistant manager at Jackson's Wal-Mart Super Center.

While fake bills are not frequently passed at the store, it has happened before, she said.

Passing the buck

"We've got them before and it is a loss of profit," Cosgrove said. "But if we don't catch them here, then they can get passed on to someone else."

The store plans to send a customer service manager and an accounting staff member to the course, she said. Those members will share their training with co-workers.

"We're sending both a front end person and a back office person because they are the ones who deal with the money daily and need to know how to catch it," she said.

As an agency of the U.S. Treasury Department, the Secret Service has exclusive jurisdiction for investigations involving the counterfeiting of U.S. currency and coins, U.S. Treasury checks, Department of Agriculture food coupons and U.S. postage stamps.

Counterfeiters and those who alter genuine currency to increase its value or possess counterfeit money with fraudulent intent face fines and up to 15 years in prison.

For those unavailable to attend the class, tips are provided on the Secret Service's Web site on what to do if you receive a counterfeit bill at www.secretservice.gov/know_your_money.shtml

Several area businesses have already registered for the class. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce sent e-mail notifications to its members, and Schmidt and patrolman Jason Selzer made nearly 40 personal contacts with businesses, as well.

A special class just for law enforcement officers will be held in the morning hours before the merchant's class. Any agencies or businesses that wish to register are encouraged to call Schmidt at 335-6621, extension 1129.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160