Jasper County warns businesses after counterfeit $100 bills surface in Bay Springs

BAY SPRINGS — The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department is warning local businesses after receiving reports of someone trying to pass counterfeit $100 bills at restaurants in Bay Springs Tuesday night, the department said in a social media post.

The sheriff’s department said it received two reports Tuesday night involving attempts to use fake $100 bills at local restaurants. Authorities urged merchants to use caution and to watch for suspicious currency, and asked anyone with information to contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department or the Bay Springs Police Department.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, which provides law enforcement services across the county, handles investigations of criminal activity and works with local and federal partners when necessary. Passing counterfeit currency is illegal and can cause financial losses for small businesses and restaurants that may not immediately detect fake bills.

Business owners and employees are advised to be vigilant and check for common security features such as watermarks and security threads on larger denomination bills. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact local authorities. We will provide more information as it becomes available.