Cedar Rapids police encountering fake $100 bills

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Police Department has collected more than $3,000 in fake $100 bills in the last week.

Police are warning businesses and the public to look at bills to help stem the uptick in counterfeit bills being passed. Many of the incidents involved bills that were 'easily identified” as being fake, police said.

Police recommend checking bills for red and blue fibers, as well as a watermark visible when the bill is held up to light. Additionally, fake cash often has a different feel that real currency. The police department also recommends the use of counterfeit currency pens that will cause a reaction.

On Tuesday, the Iowa City Police Department also warned about a number of incidents involving fake $100 bills. Iowa City police said one of the fake bills passed was identified by a counterfeit detector pen.

Anyone who encounters fake currency is asked to contact the appropriate police department immediately.