Shocking Twist: Man Allegedly Uses Counterfeit Money at Dunkin’ Donuts!
Do you ever think about whether the money in your pocket is real? It’s a question that might not cross your mind often, but counterfeit money is more common than you might expect.
According to the United States Department of the Treasury, about $70 million in fake bills are circulating the country right now. That’s a lot of phony cash changing hands every day.
A recent case in New York State has brought this issue into the spotlight. A 29-year-old man from Albany has been arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money at two Dunkin’ Donuts locations and another local business.
The incidents happened over the summer, starting back in June.
On June 26, State Police responded to a business in Clifton Park. The business reported that a customer had paid for a service earlier that day using counterfeit U.S. currency.
The man had allegedly used fake money to pay and received a real change in return, resulting in the theft of $100 from the business. Imagine thinking you’ve made a sale only to find out later that the money you received isn’t real.
Fast forward to September 6, and the same suspect was back at it, according to police reports. Troopers were called to the Dunkin’ Donuts in Clifton Park after the store reported receiving counterfeit money earlier that day.
An investigation revealed that the man had allegedly ordered food and paid with fake bills, once again ending up with $100 that wasn’t rightfully his.
But he didn’t stop there. Later that same day, another Dunkin’ Donuts location in Halfmoon reported a similar incident. The investigation showed that after hitting the first Dunkin’ Donuts, the man went to the second location.
He allegedly ordered more food and paid with counterfeit money once again. This third incident also resulted in the theft of $100.
Using counterfeit money isn’t just unfair to businesses; it’s a serious crime with hefty penalties. According to legal experts at Tilem & Associates, P.C., criminal possession of forgery devices can lead to a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
There’s also a minimum fine of at least five thousand dollars. That’s a steep price to pay for trying to pass off fake bills as real money.
The suspect didn’t evade authorities for long. The East Greenbush Police Department located him and handed him over to the State Police. The State Police transported and processed him on all charges related to the three incidents.
State Police have charged the man with three counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument and three counts of petit larceny.
Possession of a forged instrument is a serious charge that implies the suspect knew the money was fake and intended to use it to deceive others.
This case serves as a reminder to both businesses and consumers to be vigilant. With counterfeit money in circulation, it’s important to check the bills you receive. Simple steps like looking for watermarks or feeling the texture of the paper can help you spot a fake.
Employee training can be crucial for businesses, especially those handling a lot of cash transactions, like fast-food restaurants and small shops.
Teaching staff how to recognize counterfeit money can prevent losses and help authorities track down those distributing fake currency.
While it’s rare for consumers to receive counterfeit money accidentally, it’s not impossible. Being aware of how to identify real bills can prevent you from unknowingly passing counterfeit money yourself, which could lead to legal trouble.
The issue of counterfeit money isn’t new, but cases like this highlight the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tackling the problem. With advanced printing technologies becoming more accessible, creating fake currency has unfortunately become easier for criminals.
Authorities continue to work hard to remove counterfeit money from circulation and bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, staying informed and cautious can help everyone avoid becoming a victim of counterfeit schemes.
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So next time you pay with cash or receive change, take a moment to look at the bills. It might seem like a small thing, but it could make a big difference.