Counterfeit $20 Bills Used At Convenience Store In Neligh

Notice the pen marks on the front of the counterfeit bills. Authentic bills wouldn't show the mark when tested with a counterfeit pen.

The counterfeit $20 bills passed in Neligh overnight are slightly smaller then authentic bills, as shown in this photo. The counterfeit bill is laid on top of the authentic bill.

Two counterfeit $20 bills were turned over to the Neligh Police Department on Wednesday after being used at a Neligh convenience store.

According to Neligh Police Chief Mike Wright, the bills were discovered during the overnight shift at Casey's General Store. Law enforcement were notified after the $20s did not pass the counterfeit pen test by employees. Both are series 2006, Wright said.

Wright said the individual who paid with the counterfeit money appeared to be a white male in 40s. He said they are still investigating 

Wright said one of the bills is clearly printed on a different color paper while the other one is just slightly different. However, that bill wasn't cut precisely but appears more authentic because it is more worn. The bills found in Neligh also are slightly smaller than real $20 bills.

"They were both passed together but are a different size than real $20s," Wright said. "They're just a hair smaller. It's basically like he trimmed it shorter."

​Authentic bills have a raised back while these counterfeit bills do not. They also have a security strip and water mark. 

Norfolk, O'Neill and Creighton have all reported counterfeit bills in the last few months. Wright said the Secret Service has been notified.

Wright asked that residents and businesses be on the lookout for counterfeit bills. He said to watch for the different color and feel of the bills. 

"If they suspect it, take the money and let us know," he said. "The person who passes the counterfeit money may have inadvertently gotten it themselves. The red flags are the way it feels and the color."

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