Fake Money Used
A South Philadelphia 7-Eleven owner is sounding the alarm after unknowingly accepting over $300 in counterfeit $20 bills, prompting concern among small business owners and local residents.
The owner, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, says the fake currency was received over the course of several days. “It looked real. It felt real,” they explained. “But when we counted the drawer at the end of the week, we noticed some bills just didn’t check out.”
After further inspection using a counterfeit detection pen and UV light scanner, the fraudulent bills were confirmed. Surveillance footage is currently under review to identify the individuals responsible, but no arrests have been made at this time.
The store owner has issued a public warning to other local businesses, urging them to double-check all $20 bills, especially during busy hours when it’s easy to miss suspicious activity. “We’re a convenience store. People are coming in and out all day long. It’s easy to get distracted,” the owner said.
What to Watch For
Counterfeit bills are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often printed with materials that mimic the look and feel of real currency. Still, there are a few telltale signs:
- Lack of the watermark or security thread
- Blurred or off-center printing
- Fake texture or overly smooth feel
- Incorrect color shifting ink in the number on the bottom right corner
The Bigger Picture
Philadelphia police say this isn’t an isolated incident. In recent months, there’s been a rise in counterfeit money circulation throughout the city, particularly in high-traffic retail areas. Small businesses are especially vulnerable, as they often lack the tools or time to verify every bill during transactions.
The U.S. Secret Service, which is tasked with investigating counterfeit currency, urges business owners to report any incidents and turn over fake bills immediately. Holding onto or attempting to redistribute them—even unknowingly—can carry legal consequences.
How to Protect Your Business
Local law enforcement and the Secret Service recommend the following:
- Train employees to recognize counterfeit money
- Use counterfeit detection pens and UV scanners
- Monitor cash transactions with security cameras
- Report any suspicious behavior or fake bills right away
The 7-Eleven owner in South Philly hopes sharing their experience will prevent other businesses from falling victim. “I just want others to be aware. If it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone.”
