The Milbank Police Department reports several counterfeit $20 bills were passed in the area and received by a local bank. Milbank Police Chief, Boyd... Fake $20 Bills Found in Milbank

The Milbank Police Department reports several counterfeit $20 bills were passed in the area and received by a local bank. Milbank Police Chief, Boyd Van Vooren says, “There is no reason to panic, but everyone should be on the lookout for the counterfeit bills.”

According to the bank employee, counterfeit money is often printed using different paper and inks. So, the feel and color are different. Valley Office Products sells yellow pens to assist merchants in determining if bills are genuine.

Chief VanVooren also says if you suspect a customer is attempting to pay using counterfeit currency to err on the side of safety, even if it means accepting the bill. Call the police department as soon as you feel you are no longer in danger and they will assist you.

The use of counterfeit currency can violate both state and federal law. But what if you don’t realize you have fake bills and you spend them? Under federal law, the use or attempted use of counterfeit currency is illegal if the person has an intent to defraud the recipient, but it is incumbent on the prosecutor to prove intent. A conviction for the offense carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A conviction for manufacturing counterfeit currency results in a similar punishment.

Contact the Milbank Police Department at 605.432.5650.

Staff Writer

No comments so far.

Be first to leave comment below.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *