Sequim Gazette staff

Local law enforcement is warning east county retailers to be on the lookout for counterfeit $20 and $100 bills.

Sequim Police Sgt. Sean Madison said six bills recently were collected, including two in Sequim and two in the east end of Clallam County.

The $100 bills pass the “pen test” commonly used to check the authenticity of larger bills, but upon closer inspection the bills just don’t look quite right, he said.

The Sequim Police Department is urging people to look more closely at bills of larger denominations. A legitimate bill should have a watermark behind the head on the bill, security threads woven into the fabric (not printed on it), as well as clear lettering, printing and an unbroken border.

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office issued a similar notice Sept. 13.

Madison said some of the bills were used at fast-food restaurants and police have surveillance footage of a suspect.

To report counterfeit bills to the Sequim Police Department, call 683-7227.