Keep an eye out for 'funny 50s'

The Rawlins-Carbon County Chamber of Commerce urges those taking, giving or handling money to pay attention to possible counterfeit $50 bills circulating in the area.

According to the Rawlins Chamber, there has been a case of counterfeit $50 bills circulating in Rawlins. The counterfeit bill looks like the newer $50 bill with the American Flag on the front.

On March 6, the Bank of Commerce contacted the Sheriff’s office regarding a number of bills that were brought into the bank by various businesses.

Serial numbers being counterfeited are JJ19638492A, IJ02317756A, E102184943A and GJ02464293A. There were three bills with the IJ02317756A serial number.

One counterfeit bill has shown up in Saratoga. A representative from the Saratoga branch of The Rawlins National Bank said they had one counterfeit $50 bill come through so far. Bank of the West in Saratoga has not seen one yet, a representative said.

Saratoga Police Department Assistant Chief Tom Knickerbocker said he has only received one report regarding the bill.

“We had a report of one, but that was two or three weeks ago,” he said. “It’s an ongoing investigation.”

The bills show up as counterfeit if marked with a pen, and people should issue a warning of caution to anyone taking $50 bills. One should contact the local sheriff or police department, at 307-326-8316, if they come across one. Detection pens can be purchased at The Rawlins National Bank.