Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week
June 22, 2017
Officer Mike Badger, Crime Stoppers Coordinator for Sangamon and Menard counties.
Crime Stoppers wants to alert the public that in transactions originated on social media sites such as Facebook, Let Go, and Craig’s list, sellers have received look alike money - or in some cases- Counterfeit money - in exchange for their goods. Police have also taken reports in which sellers were robbed when meeting people who indicated they wanted to purchase items in these internet based person- to-person sales. Crime Stoppers urges you to utilize safe e-commerce zones, such as the one in the lobby of the Springfield Police station.
You should also to examine each bill received prior to exchanging goods to avoid being victimized. Some invalid currency used in these transactions appears to be valid at first glance however if you look at it closely there are Chineese symbols on the bills or the bills are indicated to be Motion Picture currency. Although the Chineese currency and Motion Picture currency appears to be valid U.S.Currency, if you look closely at it you can see that it clearly indicates on the money that it is not legal tender. If you have any questions about the validity of currency you receive, hold it up to the light and check for a watermark in the paper of the currency that is not printed on the exterior of the bill.