Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright is alerting the public that a counterfeit $10 bill was successfully passed at Casey’s General Store in Panora last week.

Unfortunately it was not brought to Sheriff Arganbright’s attention until after the transaction had been completed.

Counterfeit bills are easily detected by using a counterfeit bill-marking pen, which can be purchased at local businesses or online for about $3 each.  Holding the bill up to the light and looking through it can also detect a counterfeit bill.  Original bills have various markings which can only be viewed through the light, including watermarks and holograms.  These special markings differ between differing denominations of bills.  If the specific markings are not present, the bill is counterfeit.

According to Sheriff Arganbright, the bill had a yellowish tint to it and did not feel quite the same as normal bills.  He was surprised when seeing the $10 counterfeit bill as they are not that common and are usually discovered in higher amounts.

Sheriff Arganbright is wondering if it’s a coincidence or not, but nearby West Des Moines has the same issue and they currently have suspects linked to these counterfeit bills.

For more information on visually detecting counterfeit bills visit www.wikihow.com/Detect-Counterfeit-US-Money.

If you suspect you have a counterfeit bill in your possession, Arganbright asks that you contact the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office at 641-747-2214.