A string of counterfeit money reports have local police on alert. Between March 8th and now there have been at least 14 reports of counterfeit $100 bills in Winchester. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it's hard for anyone to find the time to check whether the money in their wallet is real or counterfeit. Winchester Police are asking you to find the time to look at the money you're handing over or taking.

Karen Dew, case agent detective for the Winchester Police Department says during the past couple of weeks a number of Winchester businesses have reported receiving counterfeit money. "I don't know if it's to do with the economy lately that we are starting to see a few more of them," says Dew. Police say Sears in the Apple Blossom Mall has gotten four counterfeit $100 bills.

Police are reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses to determine possible suspects in that case. There were also reports of counterfeit money at JCPenney and Lids. BB&T has found counterfeit $100 bills in deposits from three local stores including Wendy's, Deb, and Payless Shoes. Dew says there is one sure way to know if money is counterfeit. "Counterfeiters, they cannot duplicate the security strip or the hologram in the bill," says Dew.

Dew says to hold the money up to a light and look for the security strip and the hologram. If you don't see those then more than likely you're holding a counterfeit bill. "Retail merchants, mainly fifties and hundreds, definitely check," says Dew. Dew says on a real bill the photo is sharp, the lines are distinct, and the numbers are evenly spread.

On a counterfeit bill the photo is dull, flat looking, and the numbers are not uniform. Retailers can also purchase counterfeit detection pens to mark the bill and determine its validity.

Dew says if a retailer gets a counterfeit bill to keep it and call police immediately. Anyone with information on the counterfeit $100 bills is asked to call Crime Solvers at 540-665-TIPS.