Police: Counterfeit bills passed in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg police are warning merchants to be on the lookout for counterfeit $20 bills after three were traded at a pizza place and a neighborhood market earlier this week.

All three bills had the same serial number -- E48787097B -- and were missing watermarks and holograms that should have been visible. A counterfeit testing pen showed they were fakes, as well, police said.

Sgt. Chuck Gilchrist said even a cursory examination would have revealed the bills as poor reproductions.

It appeared the fraudulent bills were passed on Monday, or possibly over the weekend, he said.

Police urged merchants to take a little time to check any $20 bills they receive.

Anyone with information about those responsible is asked to call the police tip line at 961-3049.