Cedar Rapids police warn of counterfeit bills in Craigslist scam

CEDAR RAPIDS - Some people buying items off Craigslist have been receiving counterfeit bills in the exchange, police said.

Cedar Rapids police said citizens should examine the cash they receive in order to combat the counterfeit scam. Those doing business on Craigslist should look for red and blue fibers embedded in the cash, as well as watermarks that are visible when the cash is held up to the light. The amount of the currency should be spelled out on the bill and counterfeit cash can sometimes feel different, police said.

The police department is offering the following tips with regards to Craigslist transactions:

- Don't trust deals that seem too good to be true.

- Meet in a public place and don't go alone. Don't invite strangers into your home or go inside someone else's home. Make transactions during the day and tell a friend or family member where you are going.

- The higher the cost of an item, the greater the risk of the transaction.

- Do not accept cash for items priced over $100. For higher priced items, conduct the transfer in person and at a financial institution where the transfer of funds can be verified.

- Don't provide personal information during a transaction, including Social Security numbers, banking or credit card numbers, user names or passwords.

- Avoid transactions that involve wiring money - especially out of the country - over the phone or online.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com