USVI - The Virgin Islands Police Department is alerting the community and businesses of the importance of checking all currency that is presented to them. The VIPD has recently received reports on counterfeit currency that has been passed on to booth owners in the Festival Village in Frederiksted.

The counterfeit bills being passed on could be circulating in all denominations. A common "red flag" to look out for is the actual "feel" of the bill. It can be easily identifiable depending on the quality of the counterfeit. This alone often alerts employees to the “fake currency”. Some counterfeit bills have passed the commonly used "marker" test. Oftentimes the counterfeit bills being passed are done so at busy times of the business where an employee may be distracted.

The VIPD Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is asking booth owners and businesses, as well as the public to be vigilant in checking any U.S. currency that is presented to you. If there are any suspicions or concerns, please call the ECU on St. Croix at (340) 778-2211, on St. Thomas at (340) 774-2211 or call 911.