Counterfeit $$ hits Central Bank

WADS of counterfeit US and TT hundred dollar bills have turned up at the Central Bank, and the police are warning people to be careful. “Around this time, counterfeit money always turns up and is quickly pushed off because of the busy Christmas period. “It is only when everything has settled down, or the money goes to the bank, people would realise they have been conned. “People have to be careful of all the money they accept at this time,” warned a senior police officer.

The money turned up during the afternoon period in the Central Bank when officials were checking the deposits from a central business firm. The bills were part of a larger parcel which consisted of close to $20,000 mixed with valid currency. One bill from each currency was handed over to the Chaguanas police. Snr Supt Victor, head of the Central Division, has sent a warning to Central proprietors and all business people to be on the lookout for persons trying to pass bogus money. “Both proprietors and customers have to be cautious in their financial dealings.” He has also assured Newsday that his officers will try to discern the manufacturers and distributors of the bogus cash. Meanwhile, all banks have issued reminders to tellers to be on the lookout for counterfeit money. Sources have indicated that Central Bank officials have expressed concern about the counterfeit TT currency especially in light of the new currency introduced last year. One official had said it would be impossible to duplicate. Now they are coming out in numbers. Police have described the fake as being of exceptional quality.