TAVARES, Fla. — Police say a group is passing counterfeit bill around Tavares, and residents and business need to be alert.
Surveillance video from Winn-Dixie store in Tavares shows a woman police believe is part of the counterfeit ring, making a purchase with a counterfeit $100 bill. They said she then gave the clerk a second one and asked for change.
"The last two weeks, we've had an influx of counterfeit bills being passed," Jon Hall, of the Tavares Police Department, said.
Police said the bills, while they appear to be of good quality, all bear the same serial number.
Detectives believe the group has spent around $1,000 at Winn-Dixie, 7-Eleven, Dunkin' Donuts, and Hardees.
Police said surveillance video at the Hardees recorded two more people, who passed counterfeit bills.
They have made one arrest so far.
Police said Alexander Steele tried to pass counterfeit bills at a Cricket Wireless store.
"He wanted to trade five $20 bills for a $100 bill," Hall said.
Hall said the clerk realized the money was counterfeit, and Steele took off but was caught soon after.
Police said there could be more fake bills floating around the city. and there are as many as six more people they are seeking in connection to the case.
WFTV
