The Cornelia Police Department is bringing in a Secret Service agent this week to teach local folks the ins and outs of spotting counterfeit money.
Agent Dan Jones will be in town on Friday for the free event. Jones specializes in detecting fake bills and will share his expertise with bank employees, business owners, cashiers and members of local law enforcement.
Space is limited for the event so you need to register in advance if you want to take part. Email Maj. Jonathan Roberts of the Cornelia Police Department at [email protected] and he’ll get back to you with more information.
Each year, the Secret Service confiscates about $80 million in counterfeit bills. About $2 million of that confiscated cash comes from Georgia each year.
The Secret Service has some general advice for dealing with suspected counterfeit bills.
- Do not return it to the passer.
- Delay the passer if possible.
- Observe the passer’s description, as well as that of any companions, and the license plate numbers of any vehicles used.
- Contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office in Atlanta at 404-331-6111
- Write your initials and the date in the white border areas of the suspect note.
- Limit the handling of the note. Carefully place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope.
- Surrender the note or coin only to a properly identified police officer or a U.S. Secret Service special agent.
