CONTACT

Katie Mitzner / Communications Director
Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado
Telephone: 719/636-5076 Ext. 118
Fax: 719/636-5078
Email: katiem@bbbsc.org

Counterfeit Travelers Checks & Money Orders May Appear in Southern Colorado!

The next time companies accept that travelers check or money order as payment they should look carefully and ask for identification! The Woodland Park Police Department recently arrested two suspects in connection with making and distributing counterfeit “United States dollars travelers checks”. The Teller County suspects were arrested in Arizona on December 23, 2004 for passing fake checks at a variety of businesses, including four in Woodland Park.

Just four days later, the Woodland Park Police Department was notified of another counterfeit scheme that could affect local businesses. According to authorities, 1,000 money orders were stolen out of Dallas, Texas on December 27, 2004. Given the close proximity between Colorado and Texas, local authorities want area businesses to be on the lookout. In both cases, police believe local businesses could be accepting the money and not even know it.

In the case of the counterfeit travelers checks – the checks are “United States dollar travelers checks”, are in $100 denominations, contain the Master Card logo, contain the serial number PF54-315-321 on the front and are issued by Thomas Cook Inc. out of New York. In the case of the counterfeit money orders – the money orders are from “Ace” and are issued by Travelers Express.

The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado is urging local companies to ask for identification to avoid being paid with this counterfeit money. In addition, employees should familiarize themselves with the “look” of a legitimate check or money order and pay close attention to the quality of printing and paper characteristics. Try a “smear” test by wetting a finger and trying to smear the denomination marks on the back of the check. If the check is legitimate, the denomination mark on the right hand side should NOT smear, however the denomination mark on the left hand side WILL smear.

The BBB recommends that if local businesses believe a customer is passing counterfeit money, or if they have seen these forms of counterfeit money come through their business, that they contact local law enforcement immediately.

To arrange an interview on this topic, contact Katie Mitzner with the BBB of Southern Colorado at 719-636-5076 x118 or 866-206-1094 x118.