CENTRALIA — The Centralia Police Department is alerting the public that they have received several complaints of counterfeit money being passed in the city.

According to Lt. Greg Dodson, they recommend that people and businesses check all bills they receive. If possible, take note of the person giving you the currency.

The police ask that you closely examine currency and follow tips issued by the U.S. government.

When receiving a bill for a small purchase, examine the currency. Often, suspects will pass the counterfeit bill to exchange it for real currency, not necessarily to purchase big-ticket items.

Also, business owners are reminded that counterfeit detection pens very often generate false results.

Counterfeiters can use bleached genuine currency or coat counterfeit notes to prevent the proper chemical reactions.

In addition, the Federal Reserve offers these tips to detect suspicious or counterfeit currency:
•    Feel the paper. Genuine U.S. currency has a unique feel. The note should feel slightly rough to the touch. If the currency feels different than what you are used to, examine it closer.
•    Tilt the note back and forth to observe the color-shifting ink in the right-hand corner of denominations $10 or higher. Most bills will shift from copper to green.
•    Check the watermark and security thread by holding the currency up to a light. A watermark should be visible from both sides and will match the portrait or denomination.
•    A security thread should also be visible from both sides and match the denomination. When held to UV light, the security thread will glow a unique color.

For more information about U.S. currency and how to detect a counterfeit, visit www.uscurrency.gov.

Dodson says that if you have suspicions about any currency that you are receiving, you’re encouraged to call the Centralia Police Department, and if possible while the subjects presenting the currency are still present.