MINOCQUA - A string of fake money has businesses owners in Minocqua on the lookout.

Over the last few weeks Minocqua police have received several counterfeit bills totaling a few hundred dollars.

Several businesses in the area have been affected by these fake bills.

Especially restaurants and bars where venders are making quick exchanges often in dim lighting--making it harder to catch.

Most of the bills are 20’s and 10’s, according to police.

At River Valley Bank in Minocqua, they’ve seen about two fake bills a week since the beginning of October.

River Valley Bank Manager, Lori Truemper, said "They don’t even know they’ve accepted them. It does get subtracted from their deposit. We notify them and then we have to turn over the bill to the police department."

The good news is there are several ways to determine if the money is real.

Andrew Gee, Minocqua Police Chief, said "Familiarize yourself with the features on an actual bill."

Gee said the right corner of a real $20 will glisten whereas a fake one will be dull.

Also, a real bill will show water marks and has a magnetic strip.

Counterfeit money will feel lighter and worn, whereas real money will feel crisp.

Marking pens can also help determine if they bill is real.

Truemper, said "If you make a mark on a real bill it will be a light yellow. And if you make a mark on a counterfeit bill it will turn a dark brown."

Another way the bank can figure out if the money is real is by putting it through this machine.

If it’s fake, it will flash “check note.”

River Valley Customers can pick up a free marking pen.

The penalty for printing fake money on the federal level is up to 15 years in prison per offense.

And on the state level—you can face up to 6 years in prison or up to 10-thousand dollars in fines.

Story By: Jenn Sullivan