Secert Service warns of counterfeiters

Associated Press - November 16, 2009 7:24 AM ET

ATLANTA (AP) - The U.S. Secret Service says businesses and consumers across Georgia should pay extra attention to the money they handle to make sure it's real, a problem that often surfaces as the holiday season approaches.

WSB-TV reports two Atlanta-area residents received counterfeit $$20 bills from an ATM in DeKalb County.

The station says the man and woman tried to use the bills for purchases. It says no charges were filed against them and the counterfeit currency was confiscated.

Secret Service offiicals say a study of criminal reports indicates that counterfeiters like to take advantage of long lines at retail establishments and distracted store clerks during the holidays to try to spend phony money into circulation.

Information from: WSB-TV, http://www.wsbtv.com/index.html