Counterfeit bills not prevalent in area

The increasing amounts of counterfeit currency in Flathead County have not made it into Lincoln County as of yet, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported.

According to a release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in late November, a “considerable increase” in the amount of counterfeit currency has been recorded in the area, with the 20 dollar bill being the most commonly passed. The release indicated the majority of the bogus bills were being used at large retail and grocery stores, as well as convenience stores.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said they have tracked two recent cases of bad bills in Lincoln County. In both cases the bills were twenties, and both were passed in the Eureka area. No counterfeit currency has been reported in south Lincoln County.

George Mercer, vice president and branch manager for the Libby branch of Glacier Bank, said the bank has not seen any issues with counterfeit currency.

“At this time Glacier Bank has not seen an issue with counterfeit bills at this time, he said. “All Financials institutions have great policies and procedures in place to protect customers and the institutions against counterfeit bills.”

Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe said his department is keeping watch in case the problem spills over into Lincoln County, and encouraged residents and business people to be on the alert.

“If people have any doubts about the money, they should just give us a call,” he said. “We’ll check it out, of course. People should always remain vigilant.”