Full Notification

Attention Sonora Community,
 
The Sonora Police Department has received reports of counterfeit $100 bills circulating within our area. We urge all residents, especially local businesses, to be vigilant and take the necessary steps to identify and avoid these fraudulent bills.
 
Identification Tips
 
The U.S. Treasury provides several ways to detect counterfeit bills. We recommend the following methods:
 
1. Color Shift in Ink: Hold the bill and tilt it back and forth. Observe the numeral in the lower right-hand corner. Genuine bills will shift in color from green to black.
   
2. Watermark: Hold the bill up to the light. A genuine bill will display a watermark in an unprinted space to the right of the portrait.
 
3. Security Thread: Hold the bill up to the light to see an embedded security thread. For $5, $20, and $100 bills, the thread is located to the left of the portrait. For $10 and $50 bills, it is to the right of the portrait.
 
4. Ultraviolet Glo: Under ultraviolet light, different denominations will glow different colors: $5 glows blue, $10 glows orange, $20 glows green, $50 glows yellow, and $100 glows red.
 
5. Microprinting: Look for minute microprinting around the portrait and on the security threads of the bill.
 
What to Do if You Suspect a Counterfeit Bill
 
If you believe you have received a counterfeit bill, follow these guidelines from the Sonora Police Department (Non-Emergency Number: 325 387-3888, For Emergencies call 911):
 
- Do not put yourself in danger.
- Do not return the bill to the passer.
- Delay the passer with an excuse if possible.
- Observe and note the passers' and companions' descriptions, as well as their vehicle license plate numbers if possible.
- Contact your local police department or call your local Secret Service office immediately.
- Write your initials and the date in the white border area of the suspected counterfeit bill.
- Do not handle the counterfeit note excessively. Place it in a protective cover, such as a plastic bag or envelope, until you can hand it over to a law enforcement agent or Secret Service agent.
 
Encouraging Employee Awareness
 
Businesses are encouraged to educate their employees on how to identify counterfeit bills. Utilize counterfeit detection pens or markers and follow the identification tips provided above to prevent the circulation of fake currency.
 
Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to help keep our community safe. Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Sincerely,
 
The City of Sonora and Sonora Police Department