MACHIAS, Maine — Machias police are investigating several cases of fraud involving counterfeit cash.
Police Chief Grady Dwelley said Tuesday the department has eight to 10 open cases at this time. Police have seen counterfeit bills in denominations from $1 up to $50.
Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis said he is aware of the cases being investigated in Machias, but he is not aware of any others in the county.
“Whatever the chief [Dwelley] needs,” he said. “We’ll be working with them if they need us.”
Dwelley advised merchants hold bills up to a strong light and look for a security strip embedded inside.
“Call us if there’s any question whatsoever,” Dwelley said.
In some cases, the victims discovered the problem when their bank statements arrived.
At that point, it’s difficult for police to investigate because they have no idea when the bill was passed or by whom, the police chief said.
Those who accept counterfeit cash, even inadvertently, lose that money. Criminals passing the fake bills get “pure profit” from their actions unless they’re stopped, Dwelley said.
There is no way to estimate how much money has been lost because some people never report the loss. Others who have received counterfeit bills may not realize it and inadvertently pass the bills in other towns, he said.
Those convicted of passing counterfeit bills can be charged with aggravated forgery at the state level and then also be prosecuted by federal authorities.
“I can pass it on to the feds. That can get nasty,” Dwelley said.