Businesses in Carter County are on high alert following reports of a counterfeit money scam. The Carter County Sheriff's Office took to social media to caution local establishments about the fraudulent activity that has been particularly rampant in the Roan Mountain and Hampton areas. In their social media post, they described how subjects were seen making small purchases with counterfeit $50 or $100 bills.
The Sheriff's Office detailed the modus operandi of the suspects involved in these incidents. They enter a business, conduct a minor purchase, and use the fake bill, seeking change for the large denomination. On at least one occasion, an individual part of this scam exited the store, changed clothes, and repeated the fraud. The suspects have also been bold, asking cashiers to break another large bill while transacting. Local businesses are warned to keep an eye out for fake bills and to exercise caution while accepting large bills for small purchases.
Reports indicate that the counterfeit scheme isn't just confined to Tennessee. Similar incidents have been recorded in neighboring North Carolina. The Sheriff's Office released descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle, a white or silver early 2000s model Volkswagen Touareg, based on security camera footage. Furthermore, they have asked anyone with information related to the counterfeit money scam to come forward and help identify the perpetrators.
The community is encouraged to assist in capturing the suspects by contacting the Carter County Sheriff's Office at 423-542-1896 or submitting a tip online.
