Fake $100 Bills Used At Businesses In North Jersey Town, Police Say

POMPTON LAKES, NJ — Officials in Pompton Lakes are alerting residents and business owners that several people have been trying to use counterfeit money to pay for goods and services in the borough.

Police Chief Derek Clark said police have responded to several instances this month, where "suspect(s) have attempted to make purchases of food, or other consumable goods and services" using phony money, often a $100 bill.

The suspects have made purchases in the $20 to $30 range, so businesses who have been scammed are also giving the actors legal tender money in change, as well as providing them a service.

Some business owners and employees have been able to catch the fakes by using counterfeit detection pens, police said. But others have accepted the bills, and police recommend that all businesses use the counterfeit detector pens "especially for larger denomination bills."

Police ask anyone with concerns or questions to call them at 973-835-0400.